Memorandums of cooperation and dialogue were signed by the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations, the Kehewin Cree Nation and with the City of Edmonton on Wednesday, Sept. 15, an important and historic event, say participants.

The Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations was the memorandum renewed from 2012 and the Kehewin Cree Nation is a new one.

Kehewin Cree Nation is exploring the creation of an urban reserve in the city.

The grand chief of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations is also the Kehewin Cree Nation’s chief, Okimaw Vernon Watchmaker. He is excited about the agreements and working with the city.

“The importance of this urban reserve for this Kehewin Cree Nation? Number one is creating that foundation, that economic growth opportunity, and second, job creation for many of our members that live here in the city and so it gives them more certainty, more sustainability for themselves.”

Mayor Don Iveson said this is an important event for urban reserves.

“We’re very open-minded as a city. We welcome all kinds of investment and want partners to be successful and a chance to do economic reconciliation while supporting prosperity for our city and region is kind of a lovely two for one.”

Alexander First Nation Councillor Scott Burnstick was at the event and believes the benefits will be great for the First Nation.

“I think this is just a big step for Treaty 6 and the City of Edmonton. There’s a lot of nations that are around in this area I think it will end up benefiting from this kind of an agreement. I was just kind of really honored to be here today. Whenever we can do something that benefits our nations, it’s just so meaningful to me, and to be part of something like this, it’s a really good experience.”

For further information on this event, check out the videos on the Windspeaker Radio Facebook page or visit the City of Edmonton website.