JFK Law in the News – Two First Nations Reach Agreements with the Government of Alberta on Water

Indigenous Relations Minister Feehan and Chief Makinaw of Ermineskin

Clayton Leonard, Senior Counsel at JFK Law, advised the Ermineskin Cree Nation and Kainai Nation in the negotiations with the Government of Alberta resulting in the agreements.  More details are available in the Globe and Mail story in the link below.  On a broader level the agreements are significant because they set a new precedent for water agreements with First Nations that respects their jurisdiction, the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and advance reconciliation.  Unlike past water agreements, these new agreements protect Treaty rights and do not put the First Nations under provincial water legislation.

Two First Nations reach agreements with Alberta on access to safe water – The Globe and Mail