Feds Transfer Oil Management To First Nations
Thursday, December 01, 2005 at 15:23
First nations with oil or gas on their reserve will be able to take in that money now, free of government interference.
Last Friday, the federal government passed the First Nations Oil and Gas Management Act — just days before government proceedings were halted by the non-confidence vote and subsequent election call.
Indian Affairs spokesman Campbell Morrison says, up until now, First Nations with oil or gas had to let the government manage it for them.
The bill was developed with the help of the White Bear First Nation in southeast Saskatchewan.
In essence, the bill gives Indian bands direct control over the resource, while enabling them to access money held in a consolidated revenue fund.