Winnipeg, Manitoba (May 23, 2013) - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today congratulated Long Plain First Nation on the establishment of their urban reserve in the city of Winnipeg.
Adding urban lands to reserve gives First Nations access to mainstream markets and greater opportunities for economic self-sufficiency and success,
said Minister Valcourt. All Canadians benefit from strong, healthy, self-reliant Aboriginal communities, and I congratulate Long Plain First Nation as they seize this opportunity to build prosperity for both their First Nation and the entire city of Winnipeg.
The new reserve is located near Polo Park shopping complex in Winnipeg. Bounded by St. Matthews Avenue on the north, Madison Street on the west, Silver Avenue on the south and Kensington Street on the east, the developed land is 2.81 acres. Yellowquill College is currently located on the site and an 80,000 square foot office complex, as well as a gas station, are planned.
It's been a significant amount of time that we've been working on this file, and we're overwhelmed with the fact that we've finally achieved our goal,
said Chief David Meeches of Long Plain First Nation. This will open the doors for many opportunities – for economic development, for jobs and for resources that will go a long way for the future generations of our community.
Long Plain First Nation purchased the land from Manitoba Hydro in 2006 and initiated the addition to reserve process. As part of the process, all of the required environmental assessments, permits and easements have now been completed, including a Municipal Development and Services Agreement which was signed with the City of Winnipeg in July 2010.
Adding this land to Long Plain First Nation's reserve base helps fulfill Canada's obligations under the First Nation's Treaty Land Entitlement agreement. These agreements are intended to fulfill a long-standing commitment arising from treaties signed by Canada and First Nations. Between 1871 and 1910, most First Nations in Manitoba signed the numbered treaties with Canada. Each treaty provided for the setting aside of reserve land by Canada for a First Nation based on population. In Manitoba, the majority of First Nations received their entire land allocations under the treaties; however, some did not. In 1994, Canada agreed to add to reserve 10,699 acres for the Long Plain First Nation. With today's addition, 1,910.78 acres have been added to reserve.
There are now more than 120 urban reserves across Canada, established under the Additions to Reserve policy and Treaty Land Entitlement agreements.
The Government of Canada remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and their personal financial security.
Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Chief David Meeches
204-870-1200
dmeeches@gmail.com
