City council endorses MOU with Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation

A new Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Regina and the Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation could result in a new urban reserve and development in Regina’s northwest.

The MOU was unanimously endorsed by city council at its meeting Wednesday.

According to a media release from the city, the MOU doesn’t create any binding obligations between the parties. But it will see the city and the First Nation work towards a municipal services agreement that could lead to the creation of a designated urban reserve and development in the northwest area of the city.

“It was a dream that a lot of our people always talked about,” Chief Brady O’Watch said in the release. “A priority for myself as chief is to ensure that I could provide economic reconciliation not only with the City of Regina, but for a lot of the employment for my membership.”

“Today’s MOU provides a framework of mutual respect that will help strengthen the important relationship between Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation and the City of Regina,” added Mayor Sandra Masters. “I’m looking forward to working with Chief O’Watch in coming years, and to making progress on our shared interest in both social and economic development.”

Carry the Kettle has 300 acres of vacant land near Armour Road east of Courtney Street that could be developed.

An official signing ceremony is to be held Thursday.