Lubicon Lake Band, Canada and Alberta celebrate historic claim settlement

LITTLE BUFFALO, AB, Nov. 13, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, Premier Rachel Notley, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Dan Vandal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Philpott, joined Chief Billy Joe Laboucan and community members in Little Buffalo to celebrate a historic land claim and treaty benefits settlement.

The settlement includes more than 95 square miles (246 square kilometres) of land and $18 million from Alberta, and $95 million in financial compensation from Canada, as well as the development of community infrastructure.

All parties will continue to work together in the spirit of partnership and reconciliation to implement the settlement, with collaboration and planning for the infrastructure project and the community enhancement process set to begin in the coming weeks.

Quotes
"Although it is a huge accomplishment in being able to sign the Final Agreement with Canada and Alberta; and a time for celebration among the people of Lubicon as it is a very significant milestone. However, the next major step is being able to build very much needed infrastructure such as warm and secure homes for children and an elders' lodge; a state of the art school building and recreation center as well administration and health center. Thus, the next major step is building the infrastructure and providing a good secure economic future. That would mean careers and businesses in the oil industry, forestry and service industry."

Chief Billy Joe Laboucan
Lubicon Lake Band                                                                                                   

"It is truly an honour to be able to celebrate this historic achievement with the Lubicon Lake Band on their territory as we take this major step in our shared journey of healing and reconciliation. Chief Billy Joe Laboucan has ensured that this settlement will not only deliver on treaty promises, but importantly will improve community well-being and have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of Lubicon Lake Band members for many generations to come."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

"It took generations to get to this day, when a major historic wrong can be made right and the families of Lubicon Lake Band can begin building a better future on their own land. This agreement shows how resilient and strong this community already is. We look forward to forging an even stronger relationship built on respect, cooperation and meaningful reconciliation."

Rachel Notley, Premier

Quick Facts

• Treaty 8 was signed in 1899; however, because of their remote location, the Lubicon were missed by Treaty Commissioners and were never allocated a reserve and many of the Treaty 8 benefits were never provided.
• The negotiated settlement was recently approved by Lubicon Lake Band members in a community vote. Final agreements were signed by the parties on October 24, 2018.
• The settlement includes the development of community infrastructure such as housing, all-season roads, telephone and internet cabling, water and wastewater services, solid waste management, public works and administration building and yard, a school and a multi-purpose community building.
• In addition to supporting the health, safety and well-being of members of the Lubicon Lake Band, the construction of the community will provide opportunities for ongoing employment, training and capacity building.

Related Links
Lubicon Lake Band, Alberta and Canada celebrate historic land claim settlement

Associated Links
Lubicon Lake Band

Additions to reserve

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

Matthew Dillon-Leitch, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]; [email protected], 780-422-4905; Tracy Laboucan, Lubicon Lake Band, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/