Page 2

The federal government alleges Native land claims and settlements would cost at least $12 billion, and that doesn't include the cost of self-government.

According to a section of the Public Accounts of Canada, the government has budgeted for $10.7 billion for expropriation of land claimed by Natives and other claims

in a total of 85 lawsuits, a Toronto newspaper recently reported.

Native settlements and claims in the two territories will add at least another $1.2 billion, the documents show.

Page 2

The federal government alleges Native land claims and settlements would cost at least $12 billion, and that doesn't include the cost of self-government.

According to a section of the Public Accounts of Canada, the government has budgeted for $10.7 billion for expropriation of land claimed by Natives and other claims

in a total of 85 lawsuits, a Toronto newspaper recently reported.

Native settlements and claims in the two territories will add at least another $1.2 billion, the documents show.

Page 2

The federal government alleges Native land claims and settlements would cost at least $12 billion, and that doesn't include the cost of self-government.

According to a section of the Public Accounts of Canada, the government has budgeted for $10.7 billion for expropriation of land claimed by Natives and other claims

in a total of 85 lawsuits, a Toronto newspaper recently reported.

Native settlements and claims in the two territories will add at least another $1.2 billion, the documents show.

Page 2

A two-year old moratorium on oil and gas development on northern Alberta's eight Metis settlement has come to an end with the offer of six new leases.

And under a new agreement with the provincial government, the communities will have an unprecedented right to impose their own royalties and dictate how companies will work the land.

"No other land owner in Alberta will be in our position of being able to draft up terms and conditions," said Randall Hardy, chairman of the Metis settlements access committee.

Page 2

A two-year old moratorium on oil and gas development on northern Alberta's eight Metis settlement has come to an end with the offer of six new leases.

And under a new agreement with the provincial government, the communities will have an unprecedented right to impose their own royalties and dictate how companies will work the land.

"No other land owner in Alberta will be in our position of being able to draft up terms and conditions," said Randall Hardy, chairman of the Metis settlements access committee.

Page 2

A two-year old moratorium on oil and gas development on northern Alberta's eight Metis settlement has come to an end with the offer of six new leases.

And under a new agreement with the provincial government, the communities will have an unprecedented right to impose their own royalties and dictate how companies will work the land.

"No other land owner in Alberta will be in our position of being able to draft up terms and conditions," said Randall Hardy, chairman of the Metis settlements access committee.

Page 2

A two-year old moratorium on oil and gas development on northern Alberta's eight Metis settlement has come to an end with the offer of six new leases.

And under a new agreement with the provincial government, the communities will have an unprecedented right to impose their own royalties and dictate how companies will work the land.

"No other land owner in Alberta will be in our position of being able to draft up terms and conditions," said Randall Hardy, chairman of the Metis settlements access committee.

Page 2

Saskatchewan's drive to create an Indian gaming commission to license on-reserve gambling has bogged down in a dispute over whether bands will be allowed to operate casinos.

Negotiations turned angry earlier this month with Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations chief Roland Crow accusing the government of bargaining in bad faith.

Ned Shillington, then head of the provincial gaming commission, countered by claiming the federation was in a conflict of interest because its gambling consultant was closely too tied to a U.S. company that sells gaming machines.

Page 2

Saskatchewan's drive to create an Indian gaming commission to license on-reserve gambling has bogged down in a dispute over whether bands will be allowed to operate casinos.

Negotiations turned angry earlier this month with Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations chief Roland Crow accusing the government of bargaining in bad faith.

Ned Shillington, then head of the provincial gaming commission, countered by claiming the federation was in a conflict of interest because its gambling consultant was closely too tied to a U.S. company that sells gaming machines.

Page 2

Saskatchewan's drive to create an Indian gaming commission to license on-reserve gambling has bogged down in a dispute over whether bands will be allowed to operate casinos.

Negotiations turned angry earlier this month with Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations chief Roland Crow accusing the government of bargaining in bad faith.

Ned Shillington, then head of the provincial gaming commission, countered by claiming the federation was in a conflict of interest because its gambling consultant was closely too tied to a U.S. company that sells gaming machines.