Regina gets first urban reserve

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It's not a first in Saskatchewan, but it's a first for the city of Regina.

Regina city council overwhelmingly gave its support on May 31 with a unanimous vote of approval for Regina's first urban Indian reserve.

The Nikaneet First Nation, located about 250 km west of Regina, cleared one of the hurdles needed to receive urban reserve status for some land the band owns in the city. The 1.2 acre property is located in the city's north east side, a section of the city renown for industry. But it will soon be known as Indian country.

Nikaneet First Nation Chief Larry Oakes said the band plans to lease it out to tenants. Oakes also said the band still has a ways to go before the reserve is created.

"There will be a check list with Indian Affairs," said the chief. "It's something we'll have to go through before the land gets reserve status."

Oakes is taking a modest approach to the deal.

"It's just another building," he said. "We'll be just one of the boys out there."

While Regina Mayor, Doug Archer, says many communities in the province have urban reserves already.

"First Nations are becoming a significant part of economies in the province as a whole," Archer said. "And this is a step in making the Nikaneet First Nation a part of our economy in the city of Regina."

But Archer says the service agreement contains a clause which means the band will pay will replace any lost tax revenue and this will mean the band will receive the same types of services as other city businesses.