Many Benefits Predicted for Urban Reserves

"The news of the approaching completion of an agreement to establish Winnipeg's first Aboriginal Economic Development Zone is both welcome and long overdue," said MFL President Kevin Rebeck. "It's the kind of development that has the potential to create many positive effects for the Long Plain First Nation, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the residents of Winnipeg."

Such zones, more widely known as an 'urban reserve', are common elsewhere in Canada - there are now more than 160 in existence since the first was established in Saskatoon in 1988. More than two decades of experience has allowed the obvious benefits to emerge from the cocoon of theory into the full light of day.

Rebeck believes that "Aboriginal Economic development Zones offer First Nation citizens economic opportunities that simply don't exist in rural and remote First Nations communities. Aboriginal business operators use this advantage to establish themselves and benefit the entire city through job creation and training opportunities with significant economic benefits and spin-offs."

Western Economic Diversification Canada studied the impact of several zones in Saskatchewan in April of 2005. The study's findings can be summarized in the following series of statements from the report:

• Urban reserves have more potential for self-generating revenue than on rural land and reserves.
• Urban reserves have increased employment opportunities for First Nations closer to growing populations of urban First Nations.
• Urban reserves create an environment for the successful development of First Nations owned businesses.
• Urban reserves will raise the standard of living for their members.
• Urban reserves may provide an increased ability to contribute to meeting social services needs in urban areas, as well as on parent reserves in rural areas.
• Urban reserves help First Nations meet their cultural and political development objectives.
• Urban reserves provide a cultural environment for First Nations' members to interact as entrepreneurs, clients, educators, students and public citizens.
• Urban reserves also provide a centralized location for aboriginal government businesses and organizations to operate. This is beneficial for the delivery of social and educational services.
• Municipal governments benefit from increased revenue from service provisions.
• Urban reserves provide stronger linkages between First Nations and municipal governments.
• Urban reserves create an increased demand for professional services during the development of urban reserves.

Rebeck is confident that there is every reason to believe that the establishment of an Aboriginal Economic Development Zone in Winnipeg will be a successful and effective addition to Winnipeg's social and economic fabric.