Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - A native reserve has been officially created for a Fort Smith-based First Nation.

The Salt River First Nation Indian Reserve #195 was announced Sept. 6 by Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Chuck Strahl.

It is the first reserve established in the NWT in nearly 35 years.

"This is a historic day for the Salt River First Nation," said Chief Frieda Martselos in a news release from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).

"Our membership can move forward with a new mandate, one that sees all members treated fairly and equally under our now finalized Treaty Land Entitlement process," Martselos added. "It is a great day for the people of the Salt River First Nation and First Nations in general."

The chief was not available last week for further comment.

Strahl also hailed the creation of the reserve.

"This reserve will provide significant benefits to the Salt River First Nation, allowing them to pursue new economic opportunities, build infrastructure, invest in youth and develop a stronger, more prosperous community," the minister said in a statement.

Strahl's office said the minister would not be available for further comment since he is busy campaigning for the upcoming federal election.

The creation of the reserve is part of the Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) agreement signed by the band and the federal and territorial governments in 2002.

That agreement fulfilled commitments made to the First Nation under Treaty 8, signed at Fort Fitzgerald in 1899.

The TLE agreement sets aside about 430 square kilometres of land at numerous sites in and around Fort Smith and an additional 13 square kilometres at four sites in Wood Buffalo National Park.

The initial Order in Council by the federal government creating the reserve sets apart 65 per cent of the reserve lands, and subsequent orders will complete the TLE agreement.

The SRFN may also choose to acquire additional lands in the future with some of the $83.18 million it has already received under the TLE settlement.

Premier Floyd Roland said the creation of the reserve signals an end to discussion about government structures.

"It's come to the point where it's finally done and they can focus on getting on with business as a community," Roland said. "I think it's a good thing when you bring years of discussion to conclusion and people can now say that this is what I have to operate with. We can structure a relationship around what they have put in place."

The SRFN has about 835 members, many living in and around Fort Smith.

There are two other reserves in the South Slave region - the Salt Plains Indian Reserve #195 and the Hay River Dene Indian Reserve #1.

- with files from Andrew Livingstone