TREATY FOUR GOVERNANCE CENTRE RECEIVES TOURISM FUNDING

A major new First Nations centre near Fort Qu'Appelle has received federal and

provincial funding to help it meet its tourism goals.



The $6.5 million Treaty Four Governance Centre was officially opened today.

The administrative centre of the Treaty Four First Nations has received

$500,000 in capital funding from the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic

Partnership Agreement (WEPA). Western Economic Diversification Canada

contributed an additional $500,000 for design and construction costs of tourism

features that are part of the governance centre.



"This creation of a major centre such as this provides employment opportunities

for the area," Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification Ron J.

Duhamel said. "It also builds on the existing tourism infrastructure, adding a

rich and significant Aboriginal tourism attraction. I am also pleased the WEPA

can be involved with this historic and significant project. We're helping

strengthen the tourism infrastructure for this region, one of the goals of this

partnership."



"The Treaty Four grounds have been a gathering place for First Nations people

for more than 3,000 years," Economic and Co-operative Development Minister

Janice MacKinnon said. "This multi-use building has enormous tourism potential

and will be a gathering place for a new century for Aboriginal and non-

Aboriginal people alike."



The centre houses administrative and educational offices and museum space for

the 34 Indian bands that comprise the Treaty Four First Nations. The facility

includes the Chief's Legislative Assembly and Gallery, First Nations Archive

and Keeping House and cultural centre. A striking feature of the building is

the Legislative Council Chamber, designed in the form of a large contemporary

teepee.



The centre is located on the west shore of Mission Lake on ancient hunting and

camping grounds that are the site of the annual Treaty Four gathering. The

historic Treaty Four was signed on the site in 1874, covering a large area of

southern Saskatchewan, western Manitoba and southern Alberta.



From 1998 to 2002 the Canada/Saskatchewan WEPA, administered by Western

Economic Diversification Canada and Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative

Development, will direct $40 million toward initiatives that support new

economic infrastructure, tourism products, export and marketing initiatives and

new economic opportunities, including rural and northern economic development.



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For more information, contact:



Joanne Mysak, Manager Bob Ellis

Consultations, Marketing and Communications Manager, Corporate Affairs

Western Economic Diversification Canada Economic and Co-operative

Saskatoon Development

Phone: (306) 975-5942 Regina

WD Toll-Free No.: 1-888-338-WEST (9378) Phone: (306) 787-1691