Westbank First Nation Coun. Christopher Derickson presents Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett with a gift scarf during her visit to the community on Wednesday, March 27, 2019.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Westbank First Nation
March 29, 2019 - 10:56 AM
WESTBANK - Westbank First Nation officials had a meeting with the federal Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations earlier this week to discuss economic and social developments for the community.
Minister Carolyn Bennett met with the Westbank First Nation council and administration on Wednesday, March 27, to chat about key points in the new federal fiscal policy, according to a Westbank First Nation media release.
Data, infrastructure and governance were noted as major areas to help close socio-economic gaps. The meeting also acknowledged the recent Treaty Loan Forgiveness announcement.
"We are happy to hear that we have the support of the Canadian government," said Coun. Christopher Derickson said in the release.
Bennett also advocated for a federal self-governance implementation branch to improve government-to-government relations, believing it will help First Nations to grow their governments.
"If it were not for communities like you, we would not be where we are in this country," Bennett said in the release.
The meeting touched on themes of reconciliation as well. Westbank First Nation complimented the federal government for making strides in that area.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2019