The Alberta government has signed what it’s calling a historic agreement with Treaty 8 First Nations. The framework deal creates ways for the two parties to work together to address issues in areas like education, health, and infrastructure.
It was signed by both Premier Rachel Notley and Deputy Grand Chief of Treaty 8 Isaac Laboucan-Avirom, who says meaningful work is needed on several critical priorities. Notley says the deal is a promise for better collaboration and cooperation, and is meant to give First Nations the tools to support themselves.
Treaty 8 includes northern Alberta, along with northeastern B-C, northwestern Saskatchewan and the southwest part of the Northwest Territories. It was signed in 1899.