Urban Reserves as an Economic Development Tool

Urban Reserve is a term used by the Department of Indian and Northern Development to describe designated Federal Reserve Land within an Urban Centre. This model has been quite successful in the Province of Saskatchewan, and more recently in Manitoba. The Urban Reserve Model addresses outstanding Treaty Land Claims, creates economic activity and jobs for First Nations, thereby increasing their self-sufficiency. Additionally, skills training, capacity building and autonomy have led many First Nations in Saskatchewan into economic independence. For the past 25 years, Prince Albert has grown and flourished under this model. The Saskatchewan Chambers of Commerce state the following "Urban reserves appear to have had a positive economic impact on First Nations. Urban reserves also appear to have created various positive community and social impacts. The potential impacts on the community in which these urban