A new relationship is being forged between First Nations and municipal governments in Saskatchewan. In part this is due to the Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, under which First Nations have received funds to acquire land in fulfillment of treaty promises. In many instances the land acquired has been in urban areas. This collection of essays examines the creation of four such urban reserves, two of which were created amidst considerable acrimony and two of which were created in political harmony between the local municipality and the First Nations band council. The contributors explain the political tensions and problems that arose; plus the legal, bureaucratic and social hurdles that had to be overcome. They discuss in detail the complex agreements reached between municipalities and First Nations to ensure bylaw and tax compatibility, among other things. Many of the contributors highlight what should and what should not be done when creating an urban reserve. In this book both First Nations and municipal governments speak of their hopes and expectations in the creation of urban reserves. By taking the lead to craft collaborative local government arrangements, they have been proactive in shaping the future of their respective communities. The discussion will serve as a much needed resource to other communities. The Saskatchewan urban reserve experience is relevant to land entitlement settlements in other provinces, and to comprehensive and specific claims settlements and other agreements that are expected in the future.
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