Funding change minor

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Chief Stanley Arcand of Alexander First Nation can't understand what all the fuss is about. No sooner had Indian Affairs announced a multi-year funding agreement worth $23 million reached with the band, than the chief's phone started ringing of the hook with inquisitive journalists.

There is no difference between this funding agreement and the contribution funding negotiated with the government on a yearly basis, said Arcand. This agreement just gives the council a five-year framework in which to plan.

"The department didn't throw a whole bunch of money our way and let us loose," said Arcand. The people aren't getting one lump sum. It will be broken down over five years.

The agreement guarantees the band has a certain number of years, and with that comes the ability to establish priorities and goals. It was difficult operating from year to year because it gave no opportunity to plan.

The next step is to sit down with council and community and decide on the priorities, said Arcand.