Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Thanks to the efforts of the Lubicon Nation and all their supporters, the Canadian Federal Department of Indian Affairs, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), has finally agreed to provide the Lubicon Nation with social assistance funding for all of their members in Little Buffalo, Trout Lake and Peerless Lake until there is a land rights settlement.

Just three months ago, their position was that they were going to cut off social assistance funding for Lubicon members who lived at Trout and Peerless Lakes. This new agreement, which came about after a meeting this Friday between Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak and Alberta Regional Director General Barrie Robb, demonstrates that the combined efforts of Lubicon supporters can make a significant difference.

With this agreement in place, negotiations to settle Lubicon land rights should resume shortly.

The agreement follows.

September 1, 2000

Bernard Ominayak, Chief
Lubicon Lake Indian Nation
P.O. Box 6731
Peace River, AB T8S 1S5

Dear Chief Ominayak:

Pursuant to our discussions of earlier today, the Minister and the Department agree as follows:

1. DIAND will provide the Lubicon Lake Indian Nation with Social Assistance for members of the Lubicon Lake Indian Nation residing in Little Buffalo Lake, Trout Lake and Peerless Lake.

2. It is understood and agreed that the Government of Canada and the Lubicon Lake Indian Nation are both committed and will endeavor to bring Lubicon settlement negotiations to a successful conclusion as quickly as possible. It is further understood and agreed that the resulting Lubicon settlement agreement will provide for post-settlement delivery of Social Assistance to the Lubicon people.

Yours Sincerely,

Barrie Robb
Regional Director General
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Alberta Region
6th Floor, Canada Place
9700 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4G2