March 20, 2014
The Manitoba government introduced legislation today that would allow for the official and legal recognition of self-governance for the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson said as he introduced the Sioux Valley Dakota Nations governance act, noting this is the first legislation of its kind in the Prairie provinces.
“Manitoba supports the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and the many people who have worked together to make this day a reality,” said Minister Robinson. “This is a historic day for First Nations people in Manitoba and an important milestone in the journey towards self-governance.”
Last August, the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation (SVDN) signed agreements with the provincial and federal governments to recognize its ability to take control of its own governance and law-making. Provincial legislation is required to officially recognize these agreements and establish a government-to-government relationship between SVDN and Manitoba.
“It has been a long journey for my nation,” Chief Vince Tacan of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation said. “I want to thank the Province of Manitoba for their full participation and support. We hope this bill encourages other First Nations to pursue their own self-government agreement.”
The SVDN is located about 50 kilometres west of Brandon and has 2,300 members including more than 1,400 people living on-reserve. For more information about the SVDN, visit: www.svdngovernance.com.
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