March 20, 2014 - Regina, SK - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt joined Chief Darin Poorman in Regina today to announce that Kawacatoose First Nation is the first community to opt into the First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act (FNOGMMA) and take full control over the management of its land and resource moneys.
The moneys management provisions of the Act will enable the Kawacatoose First Nation to act more quickly on investment, economic and employment opportunities. By opting into FNOGMMA, the Indian Act requirement of seeking Ministerial approval to expend these monies no longer applies. This is just part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to creating the conditions for healthier, more self-sufficient communities.
The community’s financial code will now guide the First Nation’s Council on how their moneys are spent. This increases the level of accountability of the First Nation’s leadership and puts these moneys more quickly into the hands and control of the community.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
