Daily Herald Contributor
Prince Albert city Council approved a MOU between the City and the Woodland Cree Nations for the new Convention and Cultural Events Centre in the Yard District in Prince Albert.
The Woodland Cree First Nations includes the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and Lac La Ronge Indian Band. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was approved and passed by council with a 6 – 3 vote during Monday’s meeting.
“This collaboration underscores the City of Prince Albert’s dedication to fostering positive partnerships and building lasting relationships that reflect the city’s diverse population,” Mayor Greg Dionne said. “With 46 per cent of Prince Albert’s population declaring Indigenous heritage, this initiative is a significant step toward uniting the community and promoting growth across Central and Northern Saskatchewan.”
Under the MOU, Woodland Cree Nations will own up to 45 per cent of the Centre, while the City of Prince Albert will own the remaining 55 per cent.
Some of the main goals and benefits of this project is the promotion of cultural heritage, to support the growth of economic development and the enhancement of cohesion within the participating and surrounding communities
“This partnership not only marks a milestone in Saskatchewan history but also sends a strong message of unity and a shared vision for a stronger, more inclusive community,” Dionne said.
In a press release, the City of Prince Albert said the Convention & Cultural Event Centre is envisioned as a hub for community engagement, with facilities that can host a wide array of events, including graduation ceremonies, Pow Wows, trade shows, concerts, expos, weddings, conferences, gala dinners, and private functions.
Additionally, the Centre will become the new home of the Prince Albert Raiders community-owned hockey club, the Prince Albert Northern Bears, Prince Albert Mintos, and potentially, the Senators Cup.
Montreal Lake Cree Nation Chief Joyce McLeod said the MOU demonstrates First Nations commitment to the planned Convention and Cultural Event Centre.
“(To) enter into a one-of-a-kind partnership between the Woodland Cree First Nations and the City of Prince Albert on this new facility would be game-changing and the first of its kind in Canada, ultimately benefiting our communities and the people we serve,” McLeod said.
The next steps will see the City of Prince Albert and the Woodland Cree First Nations heading to Ottawa to see what funding is available to them now that the partnership has been announced. The City has been working with registered Liberal lobbyist Douglas B. Richardson to find potential grants from the federal government that were unavailable to the City on their own.
