$1.72B treaty settlement to help ‘begin the healing’

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A $1.72 billion settlement between the federal government and more than a dozen First Nations will help future generations grow and thrive, but it doesn’t take away the struggles and hardships previous generations experienced, chiefs from across Saskatchewan say.

The federal government recently announced a total settlement of $1.72 billion for agricultural benefit claims with Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation; James Smith Cree Nation; Little Black Bear First Nation; Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation; Moosomin First Nation; Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation; Pasqua First Nation; Piapot First Nation; Pelican Lake First Nation; Poundmaker Cree Nation; Saulteaux First Nation; Sweetgrass First Nation; Waterhen Lake First Nation and Witchekan Lake First Nation.

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According to the Ministry of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the specific claims under Treaty Four and Treaty Six “address failed treaty promises by Canada to provide promised ploughs, seeds for important crops, livestock such as cows and bulls, and other farming necessities” that were intended to facilitate First Nation economic development.

Those broken promises have “contributed to the suffering of six to eight generations of our families. Although this appears to be a substantial settlement, it is important that the people of Canada understand that it cannot by itself heal the accumulated hurts that we have suffered,” Pelican Lake First Nation Chief Peter Bill said on Friday, when the settlement was announced at Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon.

“We do recognize that this settlement will empower us to cooperatively work with Saskatchewan and Canada to begin the healing that we all need to take place. It is important that we all recognize that this healing process will take generations to achieve, as we are attempting to recover from generations of suffering.”

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Treaty Six, which was signed between Aug. 18, 1876 and Sept. 9, 1876, covers most of the central area of Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Treaty Four, signed on Sept. 15, 1874, covers a large area of the prairies, including parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta.

“Resolving specific claims is a key part of the Government of Canada’s reconciliation with First Nations,” Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree said.

“These negotiated settlements are a step toward a renewed relationship with the community, and one that was necessary in order for Canada to be an honest and accountable treaty partner. It’s the right thing to do.”

Since May 2023, the federal government and First Nations in western provinces have agreed on settlements totalling around $4.58 billion.

For too long, treaty promises have been broken, impacting communities’ economic growth and self-sufficiency, James Smith Cree Nation Chief Kirby Constant said.

“Settling agricultural benefit claims is a step toward justice, but true reconciliation means full accountability and action. Our nations deserve the resources promised to build strong, self-sustaining futures.”

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Peter Chapman Band Chief Robert Head said their ancestors were “victims of government policies meant to eliminate our people. They suffered immensely and survived.

“Today, the settlement provides monetary compensation for agricultural benefits that our ancestors were denied. The settlement provides compensation to our band, band members, and future generations in keeping with the perpetual obligation of treaties: As long as the sun shines, grass grows, and rivers flow.”

Sweetgrass First Nation Chief Lorie Whitecalf said that while “no settlement will fully address the impacts of past injustices, (the) agreement is a step toward honouring the commitments made to our ancestors.”

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