Kapyong Barracks deal could come soon, says First Nation leader

A Manitoba First Nations leader who isinvolved in talkswith the federal governmentover theKapyong Barrackssaysthey're closer than ever to turning the former military basein Winnipeg into an urban reserve.

Chief Dennis Meeches of the Long Plain First Nation saysheand leaders fromsix other Treaty 1First Nationsthat are involved in negotiationsrecently received an offer from Ottawa on the property, located along Kenaston Boulevard.

"We have to provide a counter-offer, so we're working some internal issues that I can't disclose, but I think we can resolve those and I'm hoping that within the next 30 days that we'll be able to let Canada know this is the position of Treaty 1," hetold reporters on Thursday.

Meeches said should the deal be approved,the chiefs will also have tonegotiate with the City of Winnipeg on how best to expand KenastonBoulevardto accommodate theproposed development.

"We have every right through our treaty land entitlementto have access toKapyongnow I think we're very close to this agreement," hesaid."I'moptimistic that we can settle something fairly soon."

He added,"The biggest barrier has been removed,which was the federal governmenteverything should be smooth sailing now.The only thing that can really derail this is ourselves, the Treaty 1 chiefs."

Discussion aims to dissolve stigma

Meechesmade the remarks followinga panel discussionco-hosted by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerceand theAboriginal Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

About 340 people gathered at the RBC Convention Centre overthe noon hourto partake in the discussion, which aimed to dissolve the stigma surrounding urban reserves.

The conversation comes weeks after Conservative Leader Stephen Harper announcedthatthe federal government would drop its legal battle against the Treaty 1 Manitoba First Nations over the future of the Kapyong Barracks.

• Kapyong Barracks court decision won't be appealed, says Harper
• Kapyong Barracks legalbattle nears end: Winnipeggers react
• Federal government slammed from all sides over Kapyong Barracks

"I see it as a way elevating my people from poverty by giving them an opportunity to get involved in the economy of this country,"Ovide Mercredi, aformer national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, saidin his opening remarks.

Mercredi explained that many First Nations communities outside of urban centres suffer from a lack of jobs and opportunity, andthe operation of an "economic centre" within a city is a benefit to both First Nations people and the host community.

While Saskatchewan has 54 urban reserves, Manitoba only has six, one of which is in Winnipeg, he added.

"Our people need a foothold,and also to create wealth in the areas ofthe city where the urban reserve is located," said Mercredi.

The Federal Court of Appeal sided with the Treaty 1 chiefs in ruling that the federal government failed to properly consult with FirstNations onKapyong Barracks.

Now, as consultations are beginning over the site, whichhas satvacant for over a decade, chiefs and business leaders sought toconsult with Winnipeggerson Thursdayto garner support and understanding ofwhat urban reserves actually are.

"It not only means prosperity for aboriginal people, but prosperity for all of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada," said Jessica Dumas, chairperson forthe Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce.

"The biggest thing people need to realize is it's an economic development area. It's about business, it's about bringing prosperity to communities, and the words are really deceiving."

First Nations 'do not get a free ride,' says former city planner

A former planner with the City of Winnipeg says the First Nations,while not required to pay property taxes on any building in the urbanreserve, would still have topay for water, roads, firefighting and other services.

"Bottom line, the First Nations do not get a free ride with the City of Winnipeg. They've got to abide by city bylaws, they have to pay the services they'll be depending on,"' said Harry Finnigan, who is now alawyer with B. Finnigan and Associates Ltd.

The proposed urban reserve is supported by the WinnipegChamber of Commerce, with president Dave Angus seeing itasanopportunity for new businesses, banks, education and jobs.

"Companies will invest, developing land there, withthe First Nations. There's definitely a role to play there for the private sector," he said.

Angus added, "People view urban reserves the way they view First Nations reserves throughout the province where it's a lack of economic vibrancy and I think that's wrong."