Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation Votes Overwhelmingly for Joint Reserve Land Management Regime

Third Community to Vote in Support Treaty One Joint Reserve Land Code Ratification

October 13, 2023 – Treaty No. 1 Territory – On October 11, 2023, members of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation exercised their democratic right by participating in a referendum vote for the Treaty One Joint Reserve Land Code for Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, a critical decision that empowers the Treaty One Nations with increased control over Treaty One Nations’ jointly held lands. Following a thirty-day voting period with online, mail-in, and advanced poll voting options, 81% of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation members who had voted endorsed the Treaty One Joint Reserve Land Code.

“I offer my heartfelt appreciation to members of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation who participated in this important vote,” said Chief Gary Roberts of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation when conveying his enthusiasm on this historic occasion. “I believe that the Joint Reserve Land Code is a positive and progressive initiative not just for Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, but all of the Treaty No. 1 First Nations. As we move towards economic sovereignty and prosperity for the next Seven Generations, the Seven Nations may stand united and poised for a brighter future with the opportunities that will open at Naawi-Oodena. We look forward to working closely with the Treaty One Nations to turn this vision into reality.”

Councillor Evan Roberts of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation also commented on the outcome, saying, “Our community has demonstrated its unity. The resounding ‘YES’ vote represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards self-determination. As someone who spent many years helping our community members access education, I am deeply grateful for the support and am hopeful that our members will reap the rewards of opportunities that lie ahead for generations to come.”

Treaty One Chairperson Chief Gordon BlueSky of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation highlighted the importance of this achievement, saying, “I must commend the citizens of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation for reaching this historic milestone. There were a few who had their doubts, but the overwhelming support expressed in the vote result reflects the community’s shared vision. As the third community who voted to implement the Treaty One Joint Reserve Land Management regime, Treaty One Nations remains steadfast in our commitment to support Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation in this process.”

After a successful referendum vote in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation on September 14, 2023, in Peguis First Nation on October 4, and now Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation on October 11, Sagkeeng First Nation is the final community and is set to vote on October 24. Once all Treaty One First Nations have opted to ratify the Treaty One Joint Reserve Land Code, Treaty One Nations will be empowered to govern and manage the Treaty One joint reserve lands under a united, self-governing system. Treaty One Nations aims to break ground and begin development of the former Kapyong Barracks lands in Winnipeg, MB, in November 2023.

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact:

Vic Savino
Director of Communications, Treaty One Nations
vsavino@treaty1.ca | 204-770-0392

For more information, please see Backgrounder below: