Tsuu T'ina Nation Indian Reserve No. 145

Tsuu T'ina Nation 145
Indian reserve

Seal

Location of Tsuu T'ina Nation relative to Calgary

Coordinates: 50°58′N 114°21′W / 50.967°N 114.350°W / 50.967; -114.350Coordinates: 50°58′N 114°21′W / 50.967°N 114.350°W / 50.967; -114.350
Country  Canada
Province  Alberta
Region Calgary Region
Census division 6
Government[1]
 • Chief Roy Whitney
 • Governing body Tsuu T'Ina Nation Council
Area[2]
 • Total 283.14 km2 (109.32 sq mi)
Elevation 1,160 m (3,810 ft)
Population (2011)[3]
 • Total 2,052
 • Density 7.2/km2 (19/sq mi)
Time zone MST (UTC-7)
Highways Highway 22X
Website Tsuu T'ina Nation

Tsuu T'ina Nation 145 is an Indian reserve in southern Alberta, Canada, created by Treaty 7. It is home to the Tsuu T'ina Nation.

The reserve is located in the Calgary Region, bordering the City of Calgary to the northeast, east and southeast, the Municipal District of Foothills No. 31 to the south and Rocky View County to the west and north. It is bound by 37 Street SW to the east, 146 Avenue SW to the south and Highway 22 and Wintergreen Road (Range Road 52) to the west, while Highway 8 is generally within 0.8 km (0.50 mi) of the reserve's northern boundary.[4] The Hamlet of Bragg Creek is adjacent to the southwest corner of the reserve within Rocky View County across Highway 8.

Demographics

Tsuu T'ina children in traditional attire at a Stampede Parade

In the 2011 Census, Tsuu T'ina had a population of 1,777 living in 540 of its 565 total dwellings.[5] Statistics Canada subsequently amended the 2011 census results to a population of 2,052 living in 630 of its 655 total dwellings.[6] With a land area of 283.18 km2 (109.34 sq mi), it had a population density of 7.2/km2 (18.8/sq mi) in 2011.[5][6]

Tsuu T'ina-Municipal, Provincial, Federal relationships

Throughout his term as Calgary mayor, Naheed Nenshi has met frequently with Chief Roy Whitney, leader of the Tsuu T'ina Nation, and with former Chief Sandford Big Plume, to discuss matters of mutual assistance with growth.[7] In 2011, the Nenshi and Big Plume negotiated tentative agreements to ensure the security of greater access safety services such as emergency medical services, police, and fire.[8] Chief Whitney mentions that Nenshi's negotiations has warmed relationships and influenced the nation's decision to resume negotiations.[9]

The city agreed to provide utilities such as water to support the expansion of the Grey Eagle Casino to serve as water works and possible extension throughout the Tsuu T'ina community in the future.[10][11]

In 2013 Tsuu T'ina Police and Calgary Police commenced a professional relationship to cooperate in a joint effort to protect the bordering growing communities. They will share expertise and improve communications. Sgt. Steve Burton, the liaison, will help share his knowledge of criminal psychology as he learns about the Tsuu T'ina community.[12]

Historical Developments

Glenmore Reservoir claims

The Tsuu T'ina nation and the federal government settled on inadequate compensation for the devastation caused by the flooding caused by the Glenmore reservoir in 1930. The federal government compensated the nation with $20M in 2013. The compensation was divided by half for the greater community and $5,500 for each member of the tribe.[13]

Grey Eagle Casino

In 2007, the Tsuu T'ina constructed the Grey Eagle Casino outside city limits on land formerly occupied by the Harvey Barracks. The land was ceded back to the nation in 1996 when the lease expired.[14] As of 2014 the Casino is exempt from province wide anti-smoking legislature and caters to smoking gamblers. As well, the facility provides clean air for non smoking gamblers via a $2M air filtration system.[15] According to Gambling researcher Gary Smith, the Grey Eagle complex's proximity to nearby Mount Royal University might cause for concern as an addictive influence among susceptible students. Students who might be tempted to spend their leisure time there or enticed to eat there. However, representatives from Grey Eagle and Mount Royal Vice President Duane Anderson, observe that Casino has not had a significant influence since opening in 2007. The concern of the expanded Casino's influence upon Mount Royal University's student body remains. Mount Royal University's student wellness center provides information and assistance for students with addictive vices such as gambling.[16][17]

The Grey Eagle complex began a major expansion, including construction of a hotel, in 2012.[18] However, residents of the neighboring Lakeview community have raised concern for potential increases in traffic.

In May 2014, renovations to the Grey Eagle Casino was completed.

Harvey Barracks

Northern portions of the Tsuu T'ina land were leased by the Department of Defence and used to train Canadian Forces personnel with live fire practices since 1901–1996. The Harvey Barracks camp, "Camp Harvey", was a small 380-acre parcel. The Tsuu T'ina nation resumed sovereignty of Harvey Barracks in 2006 after the government conducted de-mining operations to dispose unexploded ordnance, such as bullets and shells, for 15 years. Altogether 12,000 acres of land were returned to the nation.[19][20]

Unexploded Ordnance

In 1986, the Tsuu T'ina authorities under the leadership of Chief Roy Whitney took the initiative and founded an ordnance disposal company entitled the 'Wolf's Flat Ordnance Disposal Corp'. In the 1950s, 3 Tsuu T'ina citizens, a grandmother and her grandchildren where injured while berry picking. Her grandchild cursorily examined an explosive which accidentally detonated. The accident prompted the foundation of the service which was named after an honored elder.[21] The company is expected to flourish as land leases for military bases across North America expire. As well, the company has gained worldwide reputation and constantly serves nations which suffer from unexploded ordnance land contamination.

Although, after decades of extensive ordnance clearance by the company and Canadian Forces, occasionally live ordnance is discovered. In 2013, A tank shell was uncovered by summer floods rains.[22]

Black Bear Crossing

In 1996 Harvey Barracks and Currie Barracks (CFB Calgary) were decommissioned and troops stationed at these facilities were reassigned to bases in Edmonton. The Black Bear Crossing became a neighbourhood within the nation, when homeless band members took residence in the 180 vacant housing units en masse as the nation suffered a housing storage in 1998.[23] Initially they were denied permission by both the Tsuu T'ina tribal authorities and by the Department of Defence whose lease was still effective. There were concerns that asbestos insulated the housing units, and there was still unexploded ordnance in the vicinity of the neighbourhood. The Department of Defence relinquished control of the facility, citing there was no danger of exposure to asbestos. The facility grew into a neighbourhood housing 800 residents and served by the Tsuu T'ina Police.[23] However in 2006, Health Canada declared the buildings unfit to live in, citing asbestos contamination, and the tribal council ordered the buildings evacuated.

Ring road

Main article: Stoney Trail

Alberta Transportation has long pursued the acquisition of lands on the reserve to build a portion of the Calgary ring road, Stoney Trail. The Glenmore Reservoir, which is one of Calgary's sources of drinking water, is a major cause of traffic problems. The ring road would connect from approximately the Sarcee Trail/Glenmore Trail intersection to Alberta Highway 22X, alleviating traffic congestion in the south. The proposed route of this ring road would cut across the corner of the reserve bordering the reservoir.

A source of opposition to the proposed road comes from the environmental community which doesn't want to see major infrastructure built through land considered valuable to a fragile ecosystem. There have been discussions on and off regarding commencement of this project since the early 1990s.

The land swap necessary to build the ring road through the reserve was rejected in a referendum by the Nation in 2009, and the City of Calgary announced that alternative plans will put the ring road on municipal and provincial lands only. Negotiations to locate the road on the reserve resumed in 2011, and a new agreement was accepted by the majority of Nation members in a referendum held on October 24, 2013.

Ring road agreement

In October 2013, members of the Tsuu T'ina nation voted to accept the latest offer from the Province of Alberta in a referendum to exchange 428 acres of nation territory for an expansion 2,160 acres of crown land. The nation will be compensated with $66 million with relocation assistance and $275 million.[24] Chief Roy Whitney signed the accord with Premier Alison Redford on November 27, 2013. Hazardous material utilities such as a high pressured gas line, and electronic Enmax substation will be rerouted along the road route.[25] The decision was difficult as considerations that troubled the community such as relocation. According to tribe spokesperson Peter Manywounds, that the route will be built through prime agricultural and scenically aesthetic land.[26] also states that the vague wording of previous attempted agreements contributed to reluctance in the past to agree on negotiations. Chief Roy Whitney anticipates that the road will bring development along the route that the nation members can benefit from especially for the 'Grey Eagle resort'. Residents of the Lake view neighbourhood are also relieved as they were troubled over a decade by the future prospect of their homes along 37 Street adjacent to the proposed detour being demolished.[24]

Vandalism against Tsuu T'ina property

In 2012, Vandals blocked a sewer pipe with concrete. Raw sewage was diverted into a wooded area nearby the Bow River, which is one of the watersheds supplying the City of Calgary. The repairs and environmental clean up were conducted with no enduring biohazards.[27]

In 2013, the Tsuu T'ina flag was stolen from the mayor's residence of Redwood Meadows township. Mayor John Welsh discovered the destroyed flag on his lawn returning from a walk.[28]

References

  1. ↑ Tsuu T'ina Nation. "Chief and Council Members". Retrieved 2007-06-24.
  2. 1 2 Statistics Canada (2001 Census). Tsuu T'ina Nation 145 Community Profile
  3. ↑ Statistics Canada.'Corrections and updates:Population and dwelling count amendments, 2011 Census'. Revised September 11, 2013.http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/news-nouvelles/corr/cgen004-eng.cfm retrieved Dec. 3, 2013
  4. ↑ Tsuu T'ina Nation. "Reserve Lands Map".
  5. 1 2 "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2011 and 2006 censuses (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. January 30, 2013. Retrieved August 17, 2013.
  6. 1 2 "Corrections and updates". Statistics Canada. August 13, 2013. Retrieved August 17, 2013.
  7. ↑ Markusoff,Jason 'Time could not be reached for comment: Tsuu T'ina chief on ring road',June 17, 2013.http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2013/06/17/time-could-not-be-reached-for-comment-tsuu-tina-chief-on-ring-road/ retrieved October 26, 2013
  8. ↑ Komarnicki, Jamie.'Chief says ring road 'on the back burner'. Calgary Herald. October 29, 2011.http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=7072b130-2e4f-4be9-b692-f4037a598538&p=2 Retrieved October 27, 2013
  9. ↑ Komarnicki, Jamie. 'Proposed ring road deal stirs heated debate on First Nation' September 19, 2013. Calgary Herald.http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/iphone/news/latest/story.html?id=8935310 retrieved 29,2013
  10. ↑ CBC.'Calgary, Tsuu T'ina. September 19, 2013. CBC News. http://ca.news.yahoo.com/city-tsuu-tina-negotiating-utilities-003542731.html retrieved October 27, 2013
  11. ↑ Markusoff,Jason 'Time could not be reached for comment: Tsuu T'ina chief on ring road',June 17, 2013.http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2013/06/17/time-could-not-be-reached-for-comment-tsuu-tina-chief-on-ring-road/ retrieved October 28, 2013
  12. ↑ Hixt, Nancy and Elliott, Tamara.'Calgary Police, Tsuu T'ina reserve partner up to fight crime'. November 12, 2013 Global News Calgary. http://globalnews.ca/news/962134/calgary-police-tsuu-tina-reserve-partner-up-to-fight-crime/ retrieved Dec 3, 2013
  13. ↑ CBC News 'Tsuu T'ina members get $5,500 settlement cheques'. July 22, 2013. CBC News Calgary. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/tsuu-t-ina-members-get-5-500-settlement-cheques-1.1301586 retrieved November 29, 2013.
  14. ↑ "Tsuu T'ina casino opens amid smoking, traffic concerns". CBC News. 19 December 2007. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  15. ↑ McIntyre, Doug.'Casino gives smokers nod'. Sun Media. December 20, 2007.http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Lotteries/LotteryNews/2007/12/20/4734278-sun.html Retrieved June 7, 2014
  16. ↑ Mount Royal University. 'Compulsive Gambling'. http://www.mtroyal.ca/campusservices/WellnessServices/StudentCounselling/Personal/handout_comp_gambling.htm. retrieved July 3, 2014.
  17. ↑ Saretsky, Kristine.'Grey Eagle neighbors with University'. Calgary Journal, February 18, 2013.http://www.calgaryjournal.ca/index.php/news/1516-grey-eagle-casino-neighbours-with-university. retrieved July 3, 2014
  18. ↑ "Tsuu T'ina announces $65M Grey Eagle Casino expansion". CBC News. 18 September 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  19. ↑ CBC News.'Military returns land near Calgary to First Nation'. July 31, 2006. CBC News:Calgary. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/military-returns-land-near-calgary-to-first-nation-1.583703 retrieved December 11, 2013
  20. ↑ 'Military returns land to Calgary aboriginal band: after 15 years of removing century-old shrapnel, the government has finally returned a former military training ground back to Calgary Tsuu T'ina nation'. July 30, 2006. http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=bfdf009b-0f74-4c48-b621-038abfb302f9&k=81763 . Retrieved December 11, 2013
  21. ↑ Paquette, Donna-Rae.'Business exploding on southern First Nation.'Volume 16. Issue 4, 1998. Windspeaker.http://www.ammsa.com/publications/windspeaker/business-exploding-southern-first-nation. retrieved June 7, 2014.
  22. ↑ GANDIA,RENATO.'LIVE HOWITZER SHELL FLUSHED OUT BY CALGARY FLOOD'. July 3, 2013, Calgary Sun. http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2013/07/20130703-203835.html. retrieved June 7, 2014
  23. 1 2 Klaszuz, Jeremy.'The battle for black bear crossing'. October 30, 2008. Fast Forward Weekly. www.ffwdweekly.com/article/news-views/city/last-stand-at-black-bear-crossing-2805/ retrieved December 12, 2013
  24. 1 2 CBC News.'S.W. ring road deal approval 'historical', says Tsuu T'ina chief'. October 25, 2013. CBC News Calgary.http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/s-w-ring-road-deal-approval-historic-says-tsuu-t-ina-chief-1.2251344 retrieved November 2013
  25. ↑ CBC News.'Calgary's S.W. ring road deal signed at ceremony'.CBC News Calgary. November 27, 2013. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-s-s-w-ring-road-deal-signed-at-ceremony-1.2442240 retrieved 29, 2013
  26. ↑ CBC News.'Tsuu T'ina says ring road beneficial for future generations'. October 28, 2013. CBC News Calgary.http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/tsuu-t-ina-says-ring-road-beneficial-for-future-generations-1.2254598 retrieved November 29, 2013
  27. ↑ CBC News.'Sewage Spill caused by vandals'. Jul 24, 2012. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/sewage-spill-caused-by-vandals-tsuu-t-ina-says-1.1229083. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
  28. ↑ Massinon, Stephanie.'Tsuu T'ina flag defiled'. January 4, 2013. Calgary Herald. http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/city/story.html?id=7bda8a33-d3dc-4543-af35-0236fa60b828. Retrieved June 8, 2014

External links

 Rocky View County Springbank Glenmore Reservoir
Bragg Creek Calgary
   Tsuu T'ina Nation  
Rocky View County Black Diamond Fish Creek Provincial Park
Spruce Meadows
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