Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (June 10/02) - The current political situation in Ottawa has had an effect on planning for a special event in Fort Smith.

The Salt River First Nation is planning a June 21 signing ceremony for its treaty land entitlement agreement with the federal government.

However, as of late last week, Chief Jim Schaefer said recent events in the federal cabinet seem to be making it more difficult to arrange for Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Robert Nault to be on hand for the signing.

"The federal government is going to be missing, and that's who we sign this thing with," says Schaefer.

The chief notes that Prime Minister Jean Chretien is planning a retreat for his cabinet on June 21.

The signing is going ahead, but Schaefer says it may not happen on June 21. It's possible the signing may be delayed by a day to allow Nault to attend.

Chretien recently dismissed Finance Minister Paul Martin from the cabinet, creating dismay among some members of the Liberal Party and launching a debate about the prime minister's leadership.

The SRFN is planning a big celebration for the ceremonial signing of the agreement, which sees the government live up to promises made in Treaty 8 of 1899.

The band has invited members of other First Nations in the region to come and help celebrate, along with the whole community of Fort Smith.

"Everyone is welcome," says Schaefer.

However, contrary to some local speculation, he says Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson will not be one of the guests attending the signing.

Among the planned events are music, a talent show, hand games, a family dance, a fish fry and a community feast.

The treaty land entitlement deal was reached in 2001 after years of negotiations, and it was overwhelmingly ratified by SRFN members just before Christmas.

It provides the First Nation with reserve land and $83 million.