Sweetgrass and CFWE news briefs - Oct. 20

Photo caption: Premier Rachel Notley and Aboriginal relations minister Kathleen Ganley meet with Treaty 8 Chiefs.
(Photo: Alberta government)

UN declaration to be basis of relationship between province, First Nations

October 20, 2015. Chiefs of Treaty 8 First Nations met with Premier Rachel Notley and Aboriginal relations minister Kathleen Ganley to talk about collaborating and opening lines of communication. It was the third meeting in as many weeks between the Alberta government and Treaty area Chiefs. “This new relationship, with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People at its core, has every chance to repair the damage caused by the previous government,” said Treaty 8 Grand Chief Steve Courtoreille, in prepared remarks. Ganley said the UN declaration would “redefine this province’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.”

Alberta Legislature to resume sitting

October 20, 2015. The Alberta Legislature will be back in session on Oct. 26. This is a resumption of the 29th Alberta Legislature, the first sitting under the new NDP government and Premier Rachel Notley, which was convened on June 15 and adjourned on June 25. Three bills were passed at that time: Bill 1, An Act to Renew Democracy in Alberta; Bill 2, An Act to Restore Fairness to Public Revenue; and Bill 3, Appropriation (Interim Supply) Act, 2015. Teh provincial budget will be brought down on Oct. 27.