Muskeg given taxing power

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Indian affairs minister Tom Siddon has announced approval of a property taxation and assessment bylaw for the Muskeg Lake Indian Reserve in Saskatchewan that will enable the band to exercise taxation powers over band property located within Saskatoon.

Known as the Sutherland Property, the land covers about 11 hectares and was obtained by the band as partial fulfillment of its overall treaty land entitlement claim. In Nov. 1988 a formal agreement between the band, and Ottawa, and Saskatoon completed the transfer.

"The approval of this bylaw is an important achievement for the Muskeg Lake, not only to promote its economic development objectives, but also to support greater self-reliance," Siddon said.

The land is presently designated light industrial, making it ideal for the band's intended use for office and warehouse development. Forty-nine serviced lots are expected to be available for lease shortly. The only tenants on the property are a band-controlled development company and an Indian consulting firm.

Framework Agreement Signed

Windspeaker Staff, Meadow Lake, SK

Indian Minister Tom Siddon has signed a framework agreement with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council to begin self-government negotiations.

"This agreement represents the start of a long-awaited process directed towards achieving recognition of our right to govern ourselves as well as a definition of our new relationship with the federal government," said Chief Percy Derocher on behalf of the tribal council and Meadow Lake First Nations.

"The involvement of our membership has been central to this agreement and they will continue to be involved in the important discussions that lie ahead," he said in his news release.

Siddon said, "the signing of this framework agreement is a major step in our commitment to bring about change in the relationship between Meadow Lake First Nations and the federal government."

Over the next year negotiations will focus on subjects like legal status, membership, structures and procedures of government and the community constitutions. The tribal council also proposes to negotiate agreements on lands and resources, financial arrangements, education, health care, business and social development.

The tribal council is located in northwestern Saskatchewan.