Ottawa is giving the Stoney Nation $300,000 to cover its security costs for the upcoming G-8 summit in Kananaskis.
But some wonder whether the money is Ottawa's way of keeping the reserve protester-free.
Glenn Luff, Indian and Northern Affairs spokesman in Alberta, confirmed the sum Tuesday and said federal Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault promised the money in February because of the Stoney's proximity to the summit site.
Luff said the money is for legitimate expenses.
"The reason it was discussed is that the minister stated publicly that Stoney was deserving of money for security."
Luff said the money, which has not been transferred yet, would pay for "capacity training," which includes security, First Aid and CPR courses.
The Stoney Nation did not return phone calls to explain how they planned to spend the money. Luff said the RCMP would likely provide the training, but police were unavailable for comment.
The sprawling Stoney reserve is situated between Calgary and Kananaskis and is bisected by the Trans-Canada Highway.
Organizers wishing to protest against the G-8 had tried to negotiate with Stoney chiefs months ago to secure a spot on the reserve for demonstrators to gather, camp, hear speakers, hold workshops and listen to live music. It had been dubbed "solidarity village."
Although some Stoney members shared the protesters' opinions and considered co-operating with them, reserve leaders said the protesters were not welcome.
The city of Calgary, which is getting at least $34 million from the federal government for their security costs, has also denied protesters permission to use public land within city limits.
David Robbins, of the Council of Canadians, admits he knows little about the Stoney people. He bears them no ill will. But he suspects Ottawa is undermining the protesters' efforts to gather peacefully and exercise their freedom of speech by throwing around money and stories of protester violence.
"We had not heard until now a figure or a confirmation that money was changing hands," said Robbins, who, with others, tried to organize the solidarity village.
"It's reasonable to suggest this arrangement has had an influence on, for example, how our efforts might have been portrayed to the Stoney and certainly is proof of an active federal involvement in scaring the Stoney First Nation community."
He described the proposed gathering as a peaceful event meant to disseminate ideas and educate the public and suggested government and their agencies might be fear-mongering.
RCMP Cpl. James Johnston said this week the RCMP, in charge of overall summit security, will do its best to balance freedom of speech with the right to public safety.
The full cost of the summit has not been released, but Prime Minister Jean Chretien has said a half billion dollars would not be out of the ballpark.
Last year's summit, in Genoa, Italy, cost $225 million. The last Canadian summit, in Halifax seven years ago, cost $25 million.
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