New provincial funding will help map First Nations’ sites of historical, cultural and spiritual significance throughout Alberta. This information will assist with consultations on land management and resource development issues.

Nearly $10 million over three years will be used to expand and accelerate Traditional Use Studies across the province. These studies use a combination of archival and historical documents and the traditional knowledge of Elders to identify areas of particular cultural, historical and spiritual importance.

In addition to the funding for the Traditional Use Studies, Budget 2006 has added $1.5 million to the First Nations Economic Partnerships Initiative. This initiative was developed with First Nations and Industry, and is designed to:

Did you know?

The first Traditional Use Study in Alberta was completed in 1982.

• build First Nations economic capacity,
• support effective partnerships between First Nations, industry and government, and
• assist in the development of a viable First Nations private sector.

The First Nations Economic Partnerships initiative has a five-year mandate.

More information

• Traditional Use Studies
• First Nations Economic Partnerships Initiative
• Budget 2006 — Strengthening today, securing tomorrow
• News release