June 28, 2021
The City of Edmonton, with support from the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and Enoch Cree Nation, has created an Urban Reserve Strategy. The strategy provides a framework for eligible First Nations to develop an urban reserve within city boundaries.
An urban reserve is land designated as a First Nation reserve, situated within an urban area. Eligible First Nations interested in developing urban reserves do so through the federal Addition-to-Reserve/Reserve Creation policy.
The Government of Canada and Government of Alberta served as advisors in the process.
“The Government of Canada was pleased to participate in the development of the Urban Reserve Strategy which was developed in partnership with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, Enoch Cree Nation, and the City of Edmonton,” said Honourable Marc Miller, P.C., M.P., Minister of Indigenous Services. “This strategy is a historic first step to fulfilling our mandate of furthering First Nation self-determination and reconciliation. I reaffirm Canada’s commitment to promote and support urban reserve creation and I look forward to working with the First Nations in Alberta and the City of Edmonton on urban reserve creation opportunities. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my congratulations to the City of Edmonton, for adopting the Urban Reserve Strategy.”
Many First Nations are located in rural areas, away from urban centres, resulting in challenges like economic development and self-sufficiency. First Nations can pursue urban reserve creation for improved access to resources for economic development opportunities, greater connectivity and ability to provide services to their urban members, and improved access to, or protection for, culturally-significant sites. Urban reserve creation is a practical way to address the issue of geographic remoteness that many First Nations face.
“Although Additions-to-Reserves are mainly dealt with via the federal government’s Addition-to-Reserve policy, the City of Edmonton has had the foresight to develop, with First Nation input, the Urban Reserve Strategy. The strategy is intended to ensure that all parties are working together collectively, which will assist in closing the physical distance between more remote communities and their nearest urban center,” said Grand Chief Okimaw Vernon Watchmaker, Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations. “Urban Reserves also provide increased economic growth, job creation, and goods and services to both the First Nation and the city or town in which they have a reserve. The Urban Reserve policy provides a good basis for successful communication and consultations between the city and a First Nation. I thank the Mayor and Council for all their work and efforts to ensure that reconciliation is actioned and that the relationships between the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations is on the path for a healthy long-term relationship.”
First Nations, municipalities, and the broader community can all benefit from stronger relationships between First Nations, non-First Nation governments, and the population at large. Some benefits include increased economic activities, investment and employment opportunities, and the revitalization of neighbourhoods through new and long-term development. Urban reserves are also a tangible action step toward reconciliation.
“Land acknowledgements have been an appreciated practice, but with Edmonton's new Urban Reserve Strategy these acknowledgements will take on an even greater meaning,” said Chief Billy Morin, Enoch Cree Nation. “I thank the City of Edmonton for their leadership in reconcili-action and doing their part to help First Nations feel more at home in this great city.”
The Urban Reserve Strategy is intended to guide City Administration in the areas of urban reserve development for which the municipality is responsible. It places an emphasis on the importance of relationships, both at the political and technical level, and promotes communication and engagement early and proactively between the City and First Nation, as well as between the City, First Nation, the general public, and others who should be informed of urban reserve development.
“The City of Edmonton is looking forward to working with First Nations, Federal and Provincial partners to better understand the role a municipality can play in urban reserve creation,” said Rob Smyth, Deputy City Manager, Citizen Services. “This is an excellent opportunity for the City to learn, support and provide opportunities for First Nations, and continue our journey of reconciliation.”
Urban reserves have been developed successfully in towns and cities across western Canada for more than 30 years. There are more than 120 urban reserves across Canada. The first urban reserve was established in 1988 by Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Saskatoon.
