FORT McMURRAY – On October 12, 2007, negotiators from Canada, Alberta, and the Bigstone Cree Nation, including the communities of Calling Lake, Chipewyan Lake, Peerless Lake and Trout Lake signed the Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) for the First Nation’s Treaty Land Entitlement and Ancillary Benefits Claims under Treaty 8.

Brian Jean, MP for Fort McMurray-Athabasca, was there to witness the signing along with The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

“This marks an historical event and a positive step forward for the residents of the Bigstone Cree Nation and the surrounding communities. I am extremely proud that our Government is honouring its outstanding Treaty obligations and moving forward with its commitment to support our First Nations people and culture,” says Jean, a long-time advocate of Aboriginal rights.

For more information, see www.ainc-inac.gc.ca.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact: Brian Jean (613) 992-1154 or (780) 743-2201