Members of the Stoney Nakoda Nation voted against the land designation for a second time. What does this mean for our community? Land designation is done under the First Nations Land Management Act. It’s a process to designate reserve land for economic development purposes. According to the Indigenous Affairs website, this act “provides certain First Nations with powers to manage their reserve land and resources under their own land codes.” Like many people, I had reservations about this process. For example, what are these land codes? As I considered this, I was reminded of elders in our community who have called for a “constitution” to govern the Stoney Tribal Council. The Stoney Nakoda people need to be able to ask questions without fear of repercussions. Structures and policies that allow such processes would allow people to voice their views and develop trust for our leadership. It is in trusting leadership to make the right decisions where I held reservations. There is a lack of transparency that seemingly exists. Public information is just not readily available. There was also the issue of failed economic development initiatives. Bearspaw is doing very well. They are in the process of opening a new gas station and Tim Hortons near the Stoney Nakoda Resort. This will create much needed employment. Chiniki First Nation reopened the Chiniki Cultural Center and will be reopening Chiniki Stones Restaurant. Together with Bearspaw, Chiniki also co-own Stoney Nakoda Telecom which now offers high-speed internet and satellite TV. As a Wesley member I was inclined to support Bearspaw’s and Chiniki’s proposals for land designation. I believe they have examples we can refer. However, Stoney Nakoda Resort is not meeting expectations and Wesley First Nation is lagging behind. Nakoda Lodge Hotel and Conference Center now sits empty. The Stoney Indian Park arbour where we used to gather and celebrate sits in ruins. The baseball diamonds where we gathered as a community no longer exist and the campground is now closed. These are things I had to consider as a Wesley member. At the end of the day, I have a right to have these concerns. As leadership moves forward, it is my hope that they have heard from the people. If they are to bring this referendum back, I expect that giving us choices as many asked will result in a better outcome. That said, they should also consider other options. Two Rivers Ranch is not in use and the Stoney Medicine Lodge is boarded up. There was at one point a plan to develop purchased lands at Seebe. What’s happening there? Real estate development overlooking Ghost Lake might be an idea. I have no background in economic development but think it’s time for new ideas and strategies. Publicly updating us on land codes that are in place, Seebe and other purchased lands would be a start. That this failed a second time indicates that Stoney Nakoda people want a voice in this process.
