Piikani First Nation and Premier Jason Kenney’s government have reached an agreement regarding the Oldman River project — but the terms of the deal are private. .The Western Standard reported last week that Stan Grier, Chief of the Piikani First Nation, said government workers were accessing their reserve land without permission — a claim refuted by Environment Minister Jason Nixon..Piikani Nation has been in discussions with the province since 2018 to resolve outstanding issues and ensure its interests are preserved..“While the terms will not be disclosed, Piikani council is satisfied with the agreement and want to express appreciation for the efforts put forth in a meeting today,” Grier said in a statement on Tuesday night..“We are optimistic that this agreement will assist with advancing reconciliation and foster a closer government-to-government relationship to advance our shared interests.”.In 2002, the voters of Piikani Nation approved a $64.3 million settlement with the governments of Alberta and Canada over Piikani water rights impacted by the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation Headworks on the Oldman River. .According to an article from Alberta Sweetgrass, at the time of agreement,“the settlement puts aside claims that the Piikani Nation may have on water rights, under aboriginal, treaty or common law, and discontinues current legal action in regard to litigation over rights, entitlements and jurisdiction relating to the ‘beds, shores and water of the Oldman River as it passes through the Piikani Reserve.’”.The province agreed to meet with Piikani on a regular basis to address issues as they relate to the Lethbridge Northern Headworks, and LNID permit holders will now have access to water for the 2022 irrigation season, Grier said..A joint statement from Nixon and Indigenous Relations Minister Rick Wilson thanked Piikani for the productive meetings..“Alberta’s government advanced important environmental, cultural and economic matters with Piikani Nation,” they said Tuesday night..“We want to thank Chief Grier and council for their hard work and partnership in this process.”.Rachel Emmanuel is the Edmonton Bureau Chief for the Western Standard.remmanuel@westernstandard.news
