COLD LAKE FIRST NATIONS — Alberta’s Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney met with Cold Lake First Nations leadership and community members Thursday, bringing provincial representatives to the Nation for discussions on local priorities, challenges and future opportunities.

The visit included a meeting at the English Bay Community Centre with Chief Kelsey Jacko and Councillors Bernice Martial, Eliza Minoose, Jacinta Janvier, Demetri Scanie, Pam Janvier and Denise Gugel.

Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr joined Sawhney for the visit.

While specific issues discussed during the meeting were not detailed publicly, Cyr said the conversation focused on priorities important to both Cold Lake First Nations and the surrounding region.

“Hearing directly from Chief, Council and community members helps ensure local perspectives are understood and gives us an opportunity to identify where we can work together, address challenges and follow up on priorities that require further attention,” Cyr said.

Minister visits Berry Point

Sawhney’s time in the community also included a visit to Berry Point, a traditional and cultural site for Cold Lake First Nations.

The minister and Cyr later joined community members for lunch at the English Bay Community Centre, providing another opportunity for conversations outside the formal meeting with Chief and Council.

Cyr said those informal discussions can be an important part of government visits because they allow provincial representatives to hear directly from residents about what is happening in their community.

“Strong working relationships are built through regular, direct and respectful conversations,” Cyr said.

Focus on maintaining relationship

No new funding, programs or agreements were announced as part of the visit.

Instead, Cyr characterized the meeting as part of an ongoing effort to maintain communication between Cold Lake First Nations and the provincial government and ensure issues raised locally can be followed up on after the minister leaves the community.

“Cold Lake First Nations is an important part of our region, and it is important that these conversations continue beyond a single visit,” Cyr said.

He thanked Chief Jacko and Council for hosting the provincial delegation and Sawhney for travelling to the community to meet directly with its leadership and members.

“Having the Minister here in person gave her an opportunity to see the community firsthand and better understand the local context behind the priorities being raised,” Cyr said.