Minister of Indigenous Relations visits Kehewin

The Honourable, Richard Feehan, Minister of Indigenous Relations for the Province of Alberta, visited Kehewin Cree Nation on Monday. The  Minister was updated on the progress of many initiatives that Chief & Council are working on, he was also informed on some of the issues facing the Nation, and given a tour of the community.

The day began with a round table meeting between the Minister and representative from Kehewin Cree Nation,  Cheif Brenda Joly and Councillors Benjamin Badger, Trevor John, William John, and Vernon Watchmaker; as well as elders and community project representatives.

Chief Joly opened the meeting welcoming the Minister on his first visit to Kehewin, “and for the ongoing work of the NDP government. We have seen a change in Alberta, and across the country, in a time when we needed change for Indigenous people. We still have far to go, and look forward to continue to see the Province act and carry out recommendations from the UN Declaration of Indigenous People.”

“Kehewin is also looking at the announced alternative energy sector and programs. We look forward to further development on the projects, from the Province,” Chief Joly explained to the Minister that alternative energy, such as the solar panels, is something Chief & Council have been researching.

“I think this is an exciting time for First Nations communities in this country, between the government we have in Alberta and the government Federally, it’s a good time to push for some change. It feels like, to me, that the world is inviting us to move on some things, that in a way we’ve never had such a strong and clear invitation before,” Minister Feehan referring to the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous People, the Calls to Action from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and Supreme Court decisions on Children in Care. “It’s a wonderful time; I’m hoping we’ll find [some initiative and projects] to move on.”

“I really look forward to working with Council and having a chance to learn more about some of the initiatives (in the community). Then I can see if the Province can help move on them or if we can work with the Federal Government to move on them,” Minister Feehan expressed a deep desire to learn more about Kehewin and the projects and issues important to the Nation. “It’s a great privilege to come and see the land,” the Minister was grateful for the invitation and the opportunity to learn more about Kehewin, “I always think it’s much better for me to come to the community, to see the community, and to understand more about the community from the place.”

Many projects were discussed during the round table discussions; including:

• Solar Panel Projects for Schools & Band Office
• The Approval for funding of a new Elementary School
• Tiny Homes Project & other Work-Education Projects
• Water – Regional Waterline & Water Treatment Plant
• Infrastructure – Greenhouses &  Elder’s Lodge

*LCN will have updates on each of these projects over the course of the week. 

“I would like to provide an ongoing invitation to the Minister to visit Kehewin Cree Nation,” Cheif Joly invited Minister Feehan to return in August for the Kehewin Pow Wow.