Siksika Nation closer to self-government

Page R1

Native and provincial leaders in Alberta took a major step toward establishing Indian self-government through recognition of First Nations holding sovereign powers.

Chief Strator Crowfoot, of the Siksika First Nation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Premier Ralph Klein to provide a framework for the eventual transfer of control over welfare, education and health care to the Native government. The agreement to negotiate as individual government is the first of its kind in Alberta.

"This government recognizes the Siksika Nation as a form of government and this treaty simply says we will negotiate with you and participate with you government to government," said Klein at the signing.

Siksika First Nations aims to be a fully self-governing nation within 25 years, said Crowfoot. The reserve is the second largest in Canada, covering 71,000 hectares and counting 4,100 members. The band is currently negotiating a claim of 6,800 hectares in Banff National Park as traditional hunting territory.