Treaty 8 First Nations and the Alberta government signed a protocol agreement April 25. Left-right are Sawridge First Nation Chief Roland Twinn, Deputy Grand Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom, Premier Rachel Notley, and Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan.

Richard Froese
South Peace News

Treaty 8 First Nations and the Alberta government have signed an agreement aimed to build a brighter future for Treaty 8 members.

“The protocol agreement signed between the First Nations of Treaty 8 in Alberta and the Province of Alberta is a historic step towards greater collaboration and a stronger government-to-government relationship,” says Grand Chief of Treaty 8, Steve Courtoreille, who was unable to attend the ceremony April 25.

The protocol agreement establishes mechanisms by which First Nations chiefs and government will meet to determine joint strategies to address priority areas.

“It is important that we have opportunities to come together and have an open and honest dialogue about what we can do to create better outcomes for the people of Treaty 8 in Alberta and the people of Alberta,” says Isaac Laboucan-

Avirom, deputy Grand Chief of Treaty 8, who signed the agreement at a ceremony.

“The agreement signed today will foster stronger relationships and produce meaningful work on several critical priorities,” says the chief of the Woodland Cree First Nation.

Government leaders value the agreement.

“We are making good on our promise to fundamentally transform our relationship with the Indigenous people of Alberta,” Premier Rachel Notley says.

“The protocol agreement signed with Treaty 8 First Nations expresses our shared vision and belief that together we can build a better future with the First Nations people of Treaty 8.”

She was accompanied by a minister.

“Our relationships depend on establishing common ground,” Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan says.
“This agreement provides a shared space, a place where the Alberta government and Treaty 8 First Nations can work together on mutual concerns.”

First Nations priorities

– Women and children.
– Consultation, development and the environment.
– Economy and employment.
– Municipal affairs.
– Education.
– Health care.
– Infrastructure.