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CANADA INVESTS IN MUSKEG LAKE CREE NATION’S COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN SASKATOON

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN (June 15, 2005) - The Asimakaniseekan Askiy reserve in Saskatoon will receive a $392,700 investment from the Government of Canada in order to develop infrastructure and improve living conditions, Minister of Finance Ralph Goodale announced today on behalf of Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

The federal contribution will help cover infrastructure costs associated with further development of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation reserve, the first in Canada created for explicitly commercial purposes. Muskeg Lake Cree Nation will spend $202,300 on the project, which will include road development, an expansion of water and sewer and an enhancement of natural gas and electrical service.

“This project shows the Government of Canada is investing in First Nations people in order to improve living conditions on and off reserve,” said Minister Goodale. “Our investment in infrastructure on the Asimakaniseekan Askiy reserve will create more economic opportunities for members of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and the people of Saskatoon.”

“This project is an example of how the Government of Canada and First Nations can work together to better the lives of First Nations people,” Minister Scott said. “Since its establishment in 1988, the Asimakaniseekan Askiy reserve has created jobs and business opportunities for First Nations people while making a significant economic contribution to the City of Saskatoon. The expansion will help make a good relationship even better.”

Gilbert Ledoux, Chief of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, said the infrastructure investment will assist his community meet important long-term goals.

“Muskeg Lake Cree Nation understands economic development is a key factor in improving living standards and building self-sufficiency,” he said. “The expansion of our urban reserve will support and stimulate business activity that will help bring about true independence for our people.”

Aspen Developments Inc., a Muskeg Lake Cree Nation company, will spearhead the infrastructure development on the reserve, located on the eastern outskirts of Saskatoon. The expansion of services is expected to set the stage for additional commercial development. It will take place on an undeveloped parcel of land on the reserve.

Asimakaniseekan Askiy Reserve is a 35-acre (14-hectare) development that now accommodates more than 45 businesses and organizations. The reserve serves as headquarters for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), the Saskatoon Tribal Council and successful businesses such as Koscis Transport Ltd., an award-winning trucking company that employs close to 100 people and operates throughout North America. Asimakaniseekan Askiy is one of 30 urban reserves in Saskatchewan.

Muskeg Lake Cree Nation’s main community is located about 100 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon.

For more information, contact:

Chief Gilbert Ledoux
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
(306) 466-4959
Saskatoon Urban Office
(306) 477-6220

James Parker
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Saskatchewan Region
(306) 780-7136

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