Manitoba Chief Insists Bands Own Resources

Manitoba Chief Insists Bands Own Resources

Friday, September 10, 2010 at 13:46

Roseau River Chief Terry Nelson says First Nations in Treaty Four have the right to mineral resources in the province — and don’t need to rely on the government to help them.

The outspoken Manitoba chief was discussing economic sovereignty at a treaty conference in Fort Qu’Appelle yesterday.

Nelson says First Nations should deal directly with other countries who want Saskatchewan’s plentiful resources of oil and potash.

He says the First Nations of Treaty Four have an enormous opportunity for economic wealth, but must organize themselves, work together and hire economists rather than lawyers.

The outspoken chief says Treaty Four bands could come together and deal with companies internationally.

Nelson adds the treaties say First Nations own land and its resources — but it is up to the people to enforce it.

The Sovereignty Treaty Relations Conference — hosted by the Peepeekisis First Nation — concludes today.