Grand chiefs and Stelmach ink deal to meet regularly

Three grand chiefs anticipate regular meetings with Premier Ed Stelmach will improve the lives of approximately 100,000 First Nations people living in Alberta.
First Nation leaders of Treaty 6, 7, and 8 inked a long-awaited historical agreement on May 29 with Premier Ed Stelmach that finally allows them to meet leader-to-leader on issues such as housing, health care, education and the environment.
The five-year Protocol Agreement on Government to Government Relations between Alberta First Nations and the Gvernment of Alberta, forces the premier to meet at least once a year with the grand chiefs, and twice a year with Ministers responsible for land use and resource development. It also creates the possibility of other ministers agreeing to similar meetings and processes.
Treaty 7 Grand Chief Charles Weaselhead said the agreement "provides a vehicle by which areas of concern can be addressed and streamlined to the decision makers who can affect change."
Grand Chief Arthur Noskey of Treaty 8 said, "We've always voiced our concern for the environment, but it seemed like nobody (was) at the table to address these issues. Hopefully, a protocol agreement like this will get us to that table to address these concerns and gain a better understanding of what's in the water and in the environment."
Even though the federal government, under the Indian Act, is responsible for First Nations people on reserves, Premier Stelmach said the provincial government still has a big part to play.
"You've got to remember the First Nations people that move off the reservation-heath care, education, services et cetera-are provided by the province. We have so many opportunities available to all in the province of Alberta in terms of work and education, for example, and that's why we want to make sure all Albertans benefit."
Treaty 6 Grand Chief Stanley Lagrelle agreed the agreement should open many doors and make a difference in the lives of many.
"It's everything," he said, referring to the fact he and his people "have been looking in instead of looking out. I think we're going to be looking out more. I want us to open up these doors that (have been ) shut for us provincially."