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FIRST NATIONS OIL AND GAS AND MONEYS MANAGEMENT ACT INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (June 1st, 2005) - Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Andy Scott introduced the First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act today. This legislation will enable First Nations to assume jurisdiction and control of their oil and gas and related revenues and is an incremental step towards self-government.

This proposed sectoral self-government legislative initiative has been jointly developed over the past decade by First Nations with significant oil and gas reserves on their lands. The three First Nations currently involved – White Bear First Nations (Saskatchewan), Blood Tribe and Siksika First Nation (Alberta) – have worked with the federal government to develop a comprehensive regime which will enable them to oversee oil and gas resource development on their lands, with a view to increasing economic development in their communities.

"This initiative is a concrete example of partnership that will lead to stronger and more self-reliant communities through timely resource developments and investments," said Minister Scott. "The legislation will provide the tools the communities require to create jobs and opportunities in the expanding oil and gas resource sector. This is in keeping with our Speech From the Throne commitments to First Nations."

The introduction of the Bill brings the First Nations one step closer to assuming control over the management of their oil and gas resources. The optional nature of this legislation ensures First Nations have the flexibility to choose whether or not they want to take advantage of the provisions of the Bill. This Bill does not alter any other Canada-First Nation relationships.

"If you don’t have the jurisdiction, you don’t have the ability to make decisions," said Chief Brian Standingready of the White Bear First Nations. "This new enabling legislation is recognizing our inherent right to make our own laws in regards to managing and controlling our oil and gas revenue derived from those resources."

Chief Charles Weasel Head Jr. of the Blood Tribe said, "As most people in Canada understand there are an abundance of opportunities associated with oil and gas development. However, First Nations have been unable to take advantage of these opportunities due to the current restrictions and limitations forced upon them by the Indian Act, the Indian Oil and Gas Act and its regulations. This new legislation will allow First Nations to take advantage of the numerous value added opportunities and that will in turn create employment and wealth for First Nations that have the capacity. It can also help create that capacity within First Nation communities that desire to do so."

"The proposed legislation and all the processes involved in developing it will provide the fundamental legal regime for First Nations to establish long-needed capacity for proper control and to capitalize on the highest and best use of its resource," said Chief Strater Crowfoot of the Siksika First Nation. "Proper jurisdiction that leads to control and management will enable First Nations to realize the value-added opportunities and fully take advantage of the spin-off businesses that result from the activity. Timely and consistent access to the revenues generated from our resources serves to enhance First Nations’ ability to capture and experience opportunities and meet its aspirations. First Nations will truly work within a level playing field that will stimulate economic growth and charge our economy."

This Bill is also designed so First Nations can exercise full authority over the management of their moneys under the proposed legislation. First Nations may also choose to assume control over their band moneys held in the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

This legislation helps to fulfill the Government of Canada’s commitment to improve access to resources and economic development opportunities for First Nations. Furthermore, the proposed legislation is a tangible example of the government’s willingness to respond to First Nations’ aspirations and needs, leading to self-reliance and an enhanced quality of life.

For further information, please contact:

Campbell Morrison, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
(819) 997-0002

Leonard Good Eagle,
Office of the Pilot Chiefs’ Steering Committee
(403) 734-4388

First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act

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