Wabasca, Alberta
September 12, 2011
Check against delivery
Minister Webber; Chief Auger; Chief Alook; Councillors, Elders, youth and members of the Bigstone Cree Nation and Peerless Trout First Nation; ladies and gentlemen:
I would first like to acknowledge Elder Mike Beaver for the opening prayer. I also want to thank Chief Auger and Chief Alook and their Councils for the invitation to be here in Cree territory for this very special and historic occasion.
Today, we celebrate the signing of the largest land claim settlement in the history of Alberta, and one of the biggest Settlement Agreements in Canada. In signing this Agreement, we recognize the spirit and intent of Treaty No. 8 and the honour of the Crown. The Bigstone Cree Nation and Peerless Trout First Nation will now receive the land that fulfils the treaty land entitlement provisions of Treaty No. 8.
This Settlement Agreement is not only about recognizing Treaty rights. It is also about cementing a future for the generations who will come after us. This Agreement allows for new investment and new development. It opens the door to new economic partnerships that benefit First Nations, and all communities, businesses and industries in the region.
This Settlement Agreement provides approximately $259 million and 140,000 acres of provincial Crown land to become new reserve land. This figure includes a substantial investment of $59 million dedicated to infrastructure and housing in the communities of Peerless Lake, Trout Lake and Chipewyan Lake. There will be new water and sewer distribution systems and a firehall constructed in each community, as well as new schools in Peerless Lake and Trout Lake. These investments, complemented by additional infrastructure funding to be provided by the Province of Alberta, will mean a real and sustained improvement in the quality of life in these communities.
These are benefits that are shared by all Canadians. Communities that are stronger, healthier, and more economically sound are the building blocks of a stronger, healthier Canada.
Just as importantly, negotiated settlements like this help to build and reinforce the trust and mutual respect that are essential to moving forward together. They are the key to resolving disputes in a way that is fair to First Nation and non-First Nation people alike.
Agreements like this are what we envisioned when we launched Canada's Specific Claims Action Plan in 2007. Our commitment was to bring a new fairness, speed and transparency to the process. And we believe we have done that. Since 2007, we have responded to many specific claims across the country. We have reached 69 settlements with a combined value of $1.18 billion — and I look forward to many more celebrations like this one.
I want to offer my thanks and congratulations to the people who have made today's celebration possible — the negotiating teams from Alberta, from my department, and from the Bigstone Cree Nation and Peerless Trout First Nation.
Chief Auger; Chief Alook: it has taken a long time, but today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I am proud to be here with you, as we honour the past and set a new course for the future.
Thank you.
