Neheyo Road to remain open as Meadow Lake advances transfer to Flying Dust First Nation

The proposed bylaw states that access to surrounding lands will not be eliminated. Flying Dust considers the road an important connection between the First Nation and Meadow Lake.

(Image Credit: City of Meadow Lake)

An earlier attempt to move the transfer forward stalled because of conflicting legal requirements. The province advised Flying Dust that the city first needed to close the road, but the city could not close one intended to remain in use. Council subsequently tabled the matter.

Flying Dust renewed its request in January. Provincial Land Management Services also contacted the city because Neheyo Road remained an outstanding parcel in the Treaty Land Entitlement process.

City administrators later met with Flying Dust and a senior provincial land claim adviser, who confirmed a bylaw providing for the road’s closure and transfer was required.

Treaty Land Entitlement addresses outstanding obligations to First Nations that did not receive all the reserve land promised under treaty. A framework agreement signed in 1992 established a process allowing eligible First Nations to purchase land from willing sellers using compensation provided through negotiated settlements.

The city advertised the proposed closure in a newspaper, on its website and at city hall. Notices were also mailed to property owners within 75 metres of the road. No feedback was received before the Aug. 20 deadline.

First reading does not authorize the transfer. The bylaw must return to council for further readings and, if adopted, receive consent from the minister of Highways and Infrastructure before taking effect. Flying Dust could then continue with the remaining steps in the land recovery process.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

by meadowlakeNOW staff

Neheyo Road to remain open as Meadow Lake advances transfer to Flying Dust First Nation

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