Celebrating the TLE

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The Kawacatoose First Nation has made its first land purchase under its Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) agreement, purchasing 3,562 acres of land adjacent to the existing reserve.

Under the TLE agreement, ratified by Kawacatoose First Nation and the federal and provincial governments in October 2000, Kawacatoose will receive $23 million for purchase of land to add to its reserve. The First Nation must purchase a minimum of 7,872 acres of land, to a maximum of 102,976 acres.

Robert Nault, federal minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and Pat Lorjé, provincial minister of Aboriginal Affairs, were on hand March 24 as the First Nation celebrated the TLE agreement and the first land purchase. The First Nation was also celebrating a number of improvements being planned for the community, including upgrades to the water and sewer system, and a new school.

The school, scheduled to open in September 2002, will replace the existing on-reserve school, offering classes for students from nursery school to Grade 12.

Ec dev projects benefit

Three Saskatchewan First Nations will benefit from a recent funding announcement made by Indian Affairs and Northern Development (INAC) Minister Robert Nault.

Buffalo River Dene Nation, Canoe Lake First Nation and Hatchet Lake First Nation willl be at the receiving end of funding for economic development projects in their communities.

Alexis R. Francois Logging from Buffalo River Dene Nation will receive $100,000 to help the company deliver de-limbing services to logging companies in the Meadow Lake area. The company will employ nine Aboriginal people.

Another $100,000 will be given to the Canoe Lake Development Corporation, owned by Canoe Lake First Nation. The money will be used to help buy a general store that already exists at Canoe Lake, and a general store, lodge and outfitting business located at Cole Bay.

Hatchet Lake First Nation will receive $50,000 from INAC towards purchasing and reopening a convenience store located in the community.

The total cost of the three projects will be about $2 million, with INAC's share coming in at $250,000.