First Nations, municipalities join forces to speed creation of urban reserves

A group representing municipalities in Manitoba has teamed upwith First Nation groups, hoping to speed up the process of creating urban reserves in the province.

"We recognize the economic benefits that are generated on urban reserves and we're hoping that by joining forces we can show the province and the federal governmentthat we're all willing to move forward together," said Doug Dobrowolski, president of theAssociation of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM).

The AMMannounced Tuesdaythat they've partnered with the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba (TRCM) and theTreaty Land Entitlement Committee of Manitoba (TLEC).Theagreement was signed at the AMM annual assembly taking place in Winnipeg.

Dobrowolski called the process for creating urban reserves complex and slow-moving, involving several levels of government. He hopes the agreement will improvecommunication between all groups and streamline the process.

SapotaweyakCree Nation chief Nelson Genailleis the president of the Treaty Land Entitlement Committee of Manitoba.WhenSapotaweyakestablished their urban reserve in the western Manitoba town of Swan River, the involvement of the town council is believed to have made the negotiations go more smoothly.

ChiefGenailealso callsthe partnership agreement timely, given the recent prolonged legal battle to create an urban reserve atKapyongBarracks in the south end of Winnipeg.