$65 million deal to boost economy

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A $65 million irrigation agreement which will dramatically boost the Blood tribe's economic self-sufficiency goals was signed Feb. 24 by Blood Chief Roy Fox and federal and provincial officials.

While the Old Agency drummers chanted a Blackfoot victory song, newly-appointed Indian Affairs minister, Pierre Cadieux, and Alberta Environment minister Dr. Ian Reid, signed copies of the agreement before a capacity crowd.

The Blood ceded more than 75,000 acres of tribal lands in the '40s and '50s to allow for the construction of the St. Mary's dam so that area residents could enjoy the benefits of

irrigation farming. "Now it's our turn to enjoy those benefits too," said Chief Fox.

Cadieux said the tribe primarily through farming operations, will finance about $29 million of the project. A further $15 million will come from the federal and provincial governments.

The irrigation project will include construction of a main diversion structure, storage reservoir, canals and turnouts, and a distribution system, along with the purchase of on-farm equipment.

The project which will irrigate about 25,000 acres of tribal land in the north-eastern portion of the reserve with construction likely to begin this spring or early summer.

Naricsse Blood , tribal councillor, said in a later interview, that 1,000-man years of employment will occur during the construction phase. An additional 100 permanent jobs will be created for reserve residents. Spinoff industries may include a food processing plant, and agricultural-related businesses.

He said hiring will be coordinated through the local Native Outreach office. Public tenders will be posted for various sub-contracts needed for the irrigation project. Frank & Associates, owned by Blood Indians, Harley and Lois Frank will co-ordinate the training component of the project, said Blood.