Peguis First Nation Establishes Urban Reserve in Winnipeg

Press Release

July 10, 2019 — Winnipeg — Treaty One Territory, Manitoba

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, congratulated Peguis First Nation today on the establishment of their urban reserve in the City of Winnipeg.

The Addition to Reserve will create an urban reserve of 3.71 acres located at 1075 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This land designation will advance opportunities for economic development and employment for First Nation members, allowing for greater First Nation autonomy. This urban reserve will also benefit from a Municipal Services Agreement with the City of Winnipeg, as a result of First Nation and municipal collaboration.

The Government of Canada is proud to have contributed $1 million through the Community Opportunity Readiness Program to support pre-construction and construction costs of the mixed-use buildings on the new reserve land to enable Peguis First Nation to pursue economic development opportunities.

The Government of Canada is committed to the implementation of Treaty Land Entitlement agreements and is working with First Nations in Manitoba to meet outstanding Treaty Land Entitlement obligations.
Quotes

“The establishment of Peguis First Nation’s urban reserve in Winnipeg is an important step towards a better future for Peguis First Nation. This addition to reserve will advance economic development, create employment opportunities and advance reconciliation. I look forward to seeing the positive role this will play for the community members of Peguis First Nation.”

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

“Thank you to everyone that has worked to settle these long-standing Treaty Land Entitlement claims with the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. This is a big win and a significant step forward for Peguis First Nation in the reclamation of our ancestral lands here in Treaty 1. This will create economic opportunities, more opportunities for business, employment, social and cultural development, opportunities to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people here in Winnipeg and Manitoba. We look forward to using this land to further the long-term vision for our community.”

Chief Glenn Hudson
Peguis First Nation
Quick facts

• The Manitoba Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Framework Agreement and individual TLE agreements in the province are intended to fulfill a long-standing commitment arising from treaties signed by Canada and First Nations.
• Additions to Reserve and Reserve Creation are part of the Government of Canada’s overall efforts to help advance reconciliation by facilitating First Nation self-determination, self-governance, and self-sufficiency.
• Since November 2015, the Government has added 205 Treaty Land Entitlement parcels to reserve across Canada, totaling over 136,000 acres. Over the same period, the Government has added 119 Treaty Land Entitlement parcels to reserve within the province of Manitoba, totaling over 90,000 acres.

Associated links

• Additions to Reserve
• Treaty Land Entitlement
• Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) — Program Guidelines

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Matthew Dillon-Leitch
Director of Communications
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
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

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