Agreement with province moves Siksika into next phase of recovery

Now in the third phase of recovery from the floodwaters of 2013, Siksika First Nation has received an injection of $93 million from the provincial government, the terms of which are defined by a Memorandum of Understanding.

“I am very humbled that the Alberta government has stepped forward to help,” said Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier, who stood with Aboriginal Relations Minister Robin Campbell on Nov. 6 at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park to announce flood recovery support for the Siksika Nation.  “The Alberta government has treated Siksika and Stoney as Albertans.”

Initially, the province extended its support with immediate emergency response. In a second phase of support, the province provided facilities for the over 1,000 evacuees including temporary modular units. Over the next three years the $93 million will be used to rebuild houses and also address other needs of the Nation.

Although the MOU is a government-to-government non-legally binding agreement between the province and Siksika First Nation, the province is hoping it will not have to foot the entire bill.

“All components of the rebuild and repair housing program eligible under (the federal) Disaster Recovery Program will be submitted to the feds for reimbursement,” said Martin Dupuis, assistant director communications with Aboriginal Relations.
“We were told right at the beginning from the Natural Disaster representatives from Alberta, that this is a federal responsibility,” said Rabbit Carrier.

In the MOU, the province has agreed to help rebuild the approximately 170 homes affected by the flood waters honouring the Siksikaw Ni pa ta paoih sin nii. Siksika cultural values will inform decision-making.

Rebuilding of the Siksika Nation is unique, said Rabbit Carrier, as many of the First Nations people living here have been in the same area for hundreds of years. If additional improvements require more funding, they will come from Siksika’s own resources.

The agreement specifies that both parties wish to improve living conditions through the flood recovery response.  It states “wherever practicable, the parties wish to raise housing, building, health, safety, construction and infrastructure standards to meet provincial standards.” In keeping with other provincial recovery plans, those who decide to stay on flood plains will not be helped in the event of another natural disaster.

 “It’s a choice whether family members move to higher ground,” said Rabbit Carrier.

Siksika will come up with a community-based plan.

“The evacuees know what’s best,” said Rabbit Carrier, noting the decision would be by consensus.

The MOU also sets aside $10 million to be used for training Nation members in a mentoring process. With an eye to long term sustainability, the MOU provides an opportunity to train First Nations to gain skills to increase capacity to support the community, such as in the trades, painting, carpentry, and electrician to help members develop skills they can use both on and off the reserve for employment.