Seven Indigenous groups in Saskatchewan are receiving funding from the federal government through the Nation Rebuilding Program, and among them is Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc.
Honourable Jim Carr, Special Representative for the Prairies, made the announcement on Monday on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. The overall amount the federal government is providing is $2.4 million, to be allocated to BATC and six other groups: Anishnabek Nations Treaty Authority, Cowessess First Nation, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Prince Albert Grand Council, Red Earth Cree Nation and Treaty 10.
It is part of a $100 million investment by the government over five years (since 2018) to “support Indigenous groups’ efforts towards developing their own path to reconstituting their nations,” according to the government’s news release.
According to Kathy Kissick, chief financial officer for BATC, they had submitted a proposal to Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) for 2020-21, as part of a multi-year submission for 2020-23 as a collaborative Nation Rebuilding Program for their seven nations: Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Moosomin First Nation, Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First nation, Red Pheasant First Nation, Saulteaux First Nation, Stoney Knoll Band and Sweetgrass First Nation.
In August 2020 they were approved for first year funding of $445,120, and they are currently working with CIRNAC to have the second year of funding approved.
With each year of funding, BATC states they are able to work towards the overarching goal of the BATC Nation Rebuilding Program, which is: “to collaboratively restore all of our BATC First Nations into self-sufficient, self-determined and self governing Indigenous nations, which are built on strong, vibrant economies, supported by happy, healthy workers and their families, living peacefully and harmoniously on our Sacred Indigenous lands.”
“Strong, self-reliant Indigenous nations, who are able to govern effectively and fulfill their right to self-determination, are critical to improving well-being and economic prosperity in Indigenous communities,” said Carr in a statement. “The Government of Canada is pleased to support Indigenous groups in Saskatchewan as they develop their own path towards revitalizing and rebuilding their nations, through the Nation Rebuilding Program."
