Sturgeon Lake follows in footsteps of Whitefish band

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A Sturgeon Lake land claim settlement only needs the signature of Indian Affairs Minister Pierre Cadieux and his provincial counterpart.

The pact, which was approved in principle by both governments over a year ago, was given final approval just before Christmas.

The nearby Whitefish Lake Band has received a similar land claim settlement worth $19.9 million and more than 5,500 acres with the Canada Treasury Board expected to be ratified on January 8.

Cadieux and Ken Rostad, provincial minister responsible for Native Affairs are likely to sign the agreement before the due date so money can be released, said Allan Tallman, acting manager of lands with Indian Affairs in Edmonton.

A ceremonial signing of the agreement at Sturgeon Lake has been tentatively set for February, he said.

The settlement, which has buoyed the hopes of the band, almost doubles the size of the Treaty 8 reserve to 38,000 acres.

The agreement gives the band 16,207 acres of land (including mineral rights) and almost $6 million. Alberta is paying $1.4 Million while the federal government is providing $4.2 million.

Ottawa and Alberta also announced just before Christmas the land claim settlement with Whitefish Lake Indian Band was finalized.

Cadieux said settlement of the claims was "a clear demonstration of the willingness of the two levels of government to honor treaty obligations. These clear and equitable settlements will assist both bands in meeting the challenges of providing economic opportunities for all their band members."

Rostad said the settlements were reached because of a commitment by the bands to constructive negotiations.

The settlements were a long time in the making.

Treaty 8 bands were promised 128 acres of land per person, but when the bands were surveyed 71 years ago, they were given less land than they were entitled to.

The Sturgeon Lake reserve is located just outside Valleyview.

Band members voted 90 per cent in favor of the settlement in a referendum held June 23-24 on the reserve.

Chief Ronald Sunshine couldn't be reached for comment on the final approval of the deal by the governments.

The Whitefish Band, which has been studying the success of the Sturgeon Lake chopstick factory, may open a chopstick factory of its own, said band manager Brian Pitcairn.

"Sturgeon Lake has a new approach that is successful. We want to build on their success," he said.

Pitcairn said the new settlement will also allow the band to make some additional changes in the band's financial status.

At month's end, the Whitefish Lake band will be able to pay off outstanding debts, legal fees, distribute $420,000 to all their band members and invest, Pitcairn said.

"The money will come at the end of January. A trust account will be set up. The agreement specifies safe agreements like Government of Canada treasury bills, Canada savings bonds and loan bills. Basically stuff you can't lose your money on," he said.