Understanding Urban Reserves

Description

Partnered Event:
Learn more about urban reserves from leaders and experts in Treaty 6 (Alberta and Saskatchewan) and Treaty 1 (Manitoba).
 

Urban reserves have been around for decades in many cities in Canada, and there are more than 120 across the country. There isn't one in amiskwacîwâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ), otherwise known as Edmonton. Conversations about the topic have provoked much thought among those living in and near Edmonton for years. Chief Billy Morin of Enoch Cree Nation put one idea into motion early this year and grabbed headlines:

"Edmonton takes first step in establishing urban reserve" (CBC), January 25, 2021

It's exciting to think that Edmonton may finally have its first urban reserve within the next year or two. What does that mean for Indigenous peoples living on and off reserve, for residents and businesses of Edmonton, for the city, and for the economic and cultural future of Edmonton? What can we learn from other jurisdictions about their experiences?

Join our fantastic line-up of speakers to discuss urban reserves:

Chief William "Billy" Morin, Enoch Cree Nation (Treaty 6, Alberta)

Chief Morin, William ‘Billy’ Morin (Nahtokitopi – Rides a Sacred Horse), was first elected as the chief of Enoch in 2015 at the age of 28, making him the youngest leader in the history of the community directly adjacent to west Edmonton. The Cree name for Enoch is Maskêkosihk (pronounced Muss-Kay-Go-Sik) and translates as ‘people of the land of medicine’. Now in his third term as Chief of Enoch, Morin has been involved in many groundbreaking initiatives. He has prioritized: Economic development that benefits Enoch and its members; Creating a new governance structure away from the Indian Act towards sovereignty;Financial transparency and accountability; Long-term community planning in land use, health, housing and infrastructure; Life long learning and education as a primary value among membership; Traditional Cree culture, language and ceremony revival; and Empowerment of Enoch’s people – moving away from dependency.

COO Tim Daniels, Treaty 1 Development Corporation (Treaty 1, Manitoba).

Tim is a proud Anishinabe from the Long Plain First Nation (LPFN), located on Treaty 1 Territory. He is currently Chief Operating Officer with Treaty 1 Development Corporation responsible for the Master Plan and development of the 160 acre former Kapyong Barracks in Winnipeg. Tim has a wealth of experience in property and business development and is devoted to projects that help First Nations strive for economic success and sustainability. His accomplishments include development of Long Plain Urban Reserves in both Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie which have established LPFN as an economic force in Canada. Tim has won many awards including as Economic Developer of the Year, Spirit of Growth and Visionary Indigenous Business Excellence awards to mention just a few.

Laura Hartney, MCIP, RPP, Regional Planning Manager, City of Saskatoon (Treaty 6, Saskatchewan).

Laura is the Regional Planning Manager for the City of Saskatoon, and works with First Nations who are selecting land or creating Reserves in the Saskatoon region. Regional Planning provides information to First Nations about the planning process, helps negotiate compatible land use agreements between the City and First Nations, and works with community partners to create resources for City employees that enhance understandings of Indigenous culture and practices. Laura is a graduate of the Regional and Urban Planning program at the University of Saskatchewan. Before joining the City, she worked as a community planner for the provincial government, the Rural Municipality of Corman Park that surrounds Saskatoon, and a private consulting firm.

Presented by: BOMA Edmonton, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Turko & Associates

Made possible by: Hi-Signs, TC Energy, Pace Technologies, Impark, Qualico