Siksika, government sign MOU

Times Reporter 

 

The June floods impacted many communities across Southern Alberta, and though it has been almost five months since the flood, many are still rebuilding. 

On Nov. 6 the Alberta Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Siksika Nation. The MOU formally outlines a commitment to see the homes rebuilt and/or repaired. 

“Our government through the leadership of Premier Redford has been on the ground working with Siksika Nation since the first days of the flood. The MOU will allow us to move forward together with Siksika Nation on rebuilding efforts by achieving provincial safety and construction standards for the Nation’s infrastructure and housing,” said Robin Campbell, Minister of Aboriginal Relations in a press release. 

The MOU gives a formal understanding that the Alberta Government will work with Siksika to ensure the community is restored to a functioning community in a way that is fair and equitable with other Alberta communities. 

The MOU also includes the commitment to train people from Siksika Nation, giving them the opportunity to learn skills that will help the labour force in their rebuilding efforts. The MOU further details how the government and Siksika will work together while clarifying their respective roles and responsibilities. 

“Siksika First Nation had unprecedented damages caused by the flood but the community has shown unwavering resilience. While there are many challenges, there is also opportunity,” said Minister of Human Services Dave Hancock in the same press release.  

“Our investment in the training to employment program will provide Siksika First Nation members the opportunity to develop skills that will benefit their community and their personal employment opportunities in the short- and long-term. We are all Albertans.”

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta’s resources to ensure we’re able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them, said Hancock. 

“On behalf of the Siksika Nation, we are grateful for the continued support of the Government of Alberta. The MOU represents the continued development of the government to government partnership we have worked together on,” said Siksika Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier in the release.