Claim settlement sparks growth

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There has been a cautious but steady economic growth in the past year, since the Canoe Lake band won a contentious land claim.

A document, signed two months ago, was the final step in a settlement that's been ongoing for nearly a year.

Last June the 1,300 members voted to accept a $12 million compensation package for the early 1950s military takeover of traditional land to create testing range. Since then, there's been a spate of economic development on the reserve, and individual residents have seen their standard of living rise.

"We've had investment seminars and people are thinking about economic development. We looked at it as money that was earned. Nobody went on a spending spree and there's not a lot of new vehicles. People bought furniture and things they needed We've waited and worked at this for years and people felt they'd earned it. When it came they were reluctant to blow it on insignificant things," said Chief Guy Lariviere.

Thirty Elders, affected when the range was created, received direct compensation. A portion was also distributed to their descendants and other Canoe Lake members, ranging anywhere from $500 to $30,000.

Chief Lariviere said $1 million has been allotted to economic development and social programs, which include opening a daycare and seniors lodge. A portion of the settlement went towards creation of a liaison office to co-ordinate the people's renewed access to the range. Under the agreement they are allowed to hunt, fish, trap and gather food according to their traditional manner. They are also able to use the range for commercial purposes dealing with oil and gas, forestry and eco-tourism ventures.

The bulk of the money has been placed in a trust fund with plans to use only the interest generated from the capital for future initiatives.

The settlement came 45 years after the people lost access to their land from which they derived their living. In 1953 the federal government abruptly and without prior notice took 11,630 sq. km, or 4,500 sq. m of land, including the Canoe Lake people's traditional hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering land, to create a vast bombing and gunnery range known as Primrose Lake Air Weapons Range. The range extends into northeastern Alberta onto traditional land utilized by the Cold Lake First Nation, who has launched a similar land claim.

When talks to create the range began between Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ottawa, the Department of Indian Affairs acted on behalf of the Canoe Lake people. The agreement set aside 2.88 million acres to be used as a military testing range for 20 years, with provisions for future renewals. Access to the area was restricted to military personnel and the Canoe Lake people were forced to abandon cabins, equipment and personal possessions at Primrose Lake. Despite assurances to the contrary, they were never allowed back.

Ultimately, a few families received compensation but no rehabilitation to gain another source of livelihood was offered. Within several years the band went from being self-sufficient to impoverished. The devastation created crippling social ills which the community is still struggling to overcome.

In the early 1970s, a specific land claim was launched by the Canoe Lake band stating the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs had breached its Treaty 6 obligation to act in the best interests of the Aboriginal people it represented during the bombing range negotiations. In 1975 and again in 1986 the federal department rejected the claim.

In 1992 the Indian Claims commission was established by the federal government as an independent agency to assist parties in specific land claims negotiation, to inquire into the validity of claims and provide mediation services when negotiations broke down. The ICC's first case was a review of the Canoe Lake/Cold Lake claim.

After numerous community hearings the ICC released a report stating the federal government had breached its treaties with the claimant First ations and recommended the claims be accepted for settlement negotiation. Ottawa agreed and five years later the $12 million compensation package was offered to Canoe Lake. The Cold Lake band's claim is yet to be settled.

Chief Lariviere said the Canoe Lake band has lately held seminars to formulate plans for economic development and increase both individual and collective income opportunities. One plan would see more members growing and harvesting wild rice, a lucrative business some are already engaged in on Canoe Lake and surrounding water bodies. "There's around seven growers here and they come out with about $60,000 to $70,000 a year. We'd like to see more of that."

The only businesses now operating on the reserve are two gas station/convenience stores, a cafe, pool hall, games arcade and a video rental outlet. A new school built last year includes a recreation complex, and the band intends to submit a bit to host the Saskatchewan Indigenous Summer Games for the year 2000. Lariviere said he's very content that things are definitely looking up, but past devastation has not been forgotten.

"Most people are pleased with the settlement, but nothing can make up for the years of suffering and destitution our people suffered through," he said.