Gambler First Nation, Brandon forge historic partnership

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This article was published 17/03/2018 (2785 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BRANDON — A historic partnership between the City of Brandon and Gambler First Nation was made official Friday.

Chief David LeDoux and Mayor Rick Chrest signed a municipal development and service agreement — a significant step forward in the establishment of a First Nation urban development area.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our council… and our staff for ushering this particular agreement along to fruition,” Chrest said. “This is a first for our city.”

The site for the proposed urban reserve is nearly eight acres at the corner of 18th Street North and Clare Avenue. The First Nation’s vision is to develop a range of commercial options, such as a gas bar, convenience store, mini mall and hotel.

“I’m so optimistic and pleased for Gambler First Nation, the leadership that they’re exhibiting, the proactive and positive approach they are taking towards making developments… I’m so grateful that we’re one of the first municipalities that you’ve made this arrangement with,” Chrest said.

The process for this agreement began a few years ago, and is required by the federal government as part of its process to set land aside as a reserve.

Jacqueline East, general manager of development services with the City of Brandon, called the signing of the agreement an important milestone for the western Manitoba city of 49,000.

“This moment on this afternoon is indeed… one of the highlights of my 25-year career working with municipalities. It’s been an absolute honour,” East said. “It’s been a joy working with you, the leaders of Gambler First Nation, in negotiating a mutually beneficial agreement to sell our city services to your nation.”

The deal includes the purchase of city services such as water/sewer, drainage and road systems. Benefits to the city include revenue through development charges, as well as fees for service. The arrangement also would provide increased amenities, create jobs and lead to economic spinoffs.

LeDoux called the venture “phenomenal,” adding it is dedicated to the First Nation’s youth, to guarantee their future.

Gambler First Nation (also known as Gamblers) is located 315 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.

“We used to be 32 square miles at one time, I think we’re down to less than two square miles,” the chief said. “For us to make a living… was quite limited. Brandon has opened up the doors for us… We’re spreading our wings.”

It was an emotional moment for some in attendance at the signing ceremony, including Roxanne Brass, LeDoux’s sister.

“I just wish our mother was here to see it all; she’d be so proud of him,” she said.

Brass said it’s easy to imagine the potential positive effects of the agreement.

“It’s going to give (youth) the opportunity to live a life that they could have only dreamed of,” she said. “With the struggles with First Nation people, with education, and lack of funding, and things like that… they won’t have to go through all that, all the struggles that a lot of us had to face.”

Gambler has been in talks with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and applied through the federal government to have the Brandon land transferred to reserve status.

The municipal agreement would begin soon after.

Stephen Pillipow, lawyer for the First Nation, said the process still has a way to go: requirements include a provincial order-in-council, followed by a federal order-in-council.

“After it gets into reserve creation, assuming all that happens, which we’re pretty confident it will… Then, they have to go through a designation process — a vote of the members to approve what’s going to be happening on the property — and then they can start developing after that.”

— Brandon Sun