SASKATOON, Sask.—The Government of Canada has announced landmark settlements with First Nation communities regarding unfulfilled promises made in treaty agreements many decades ago.
In late February, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, announced the settlement of Agricultural Benefit Claims with the following First Nation Communities: Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation; James Smith Cree Nation #370; 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.
These claims address failed Treaty promises by Canada to provide promised ploughs, seeds for important crops, livestock such as cows and bulls, and other farming necessities. These agricultural benefits were meant to facilitate First Nation economic development.
"After years of negotiations and court, we are pleased to see our people compensated for agricultural implements not delivered by Canada," said Chief Calvin Sanderson of the Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree Nation. "It was a promise made to us under Treaty, that was supposed to help us farm alongside European settlers, but as we know, that never happened. Today, we look forward to providing our people with new tools to participate in the local economy and build our own self-sustaining industries."
Once fully settled, $1.72B will be provided in combined compensation to these First Nations. Under the expedited resolution framework for agricultural benefits claims, Canada has provided a total of about $4.58B to First Nations in the western provinces since May 2023.
"Crown Indigenous Relations will continue to work with First Nations in Treaties 4, 5, 6, and 10 on the remaining outstanding agricultural benefit provisions in these Treaties. Our ongoing goal to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples includes Indigenous Peoples' inherent right to self-determination," said Anandasangaree. "Resolving specific claims is a key part of the Government of Canada's reconciliation with First Nations. Working in partnership with First Nations, Canada has resolved over 742 specific claims since 1973. 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."
Treaty 6 was an agreement between the Crown and the Plains and Woods Cree, Assiniboine, and other band governments at Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt, representing most of the central area of the current provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Treaty 6 signings began on 18 August 1876 and ran until 9 September 1876.
Treaty 4, also known as the Qu'Appelle Treaty, was signed on September 15, 1874 between Queen Victoria and Indigenous people. The treaty covered a large area of the Canadian prairies, including parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta.
"Pelican Lake First Nation celebrates the conclusion of this Treaty Benefit claim known to our people as the broken Treaty 6 Cows and Ploughs promise," said Chief Peter Bill, of Pelican Lake First Nation. "This broken promise from 150 years ago has 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. 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."
From April 1, 2020 to January 31, 2025, 198 claims have been resolved for close to $11.4 billion in compensation.
From April 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025, 41 claims were resolved for $3.49 billion in compensation; 98 claims were filed with the Minister and Canada made an offer to negotiate on 48 claims.
In addition to the Agricultural Benefit Claims settlements, the government has also reached a separate settlement agreement with Cumberland House Cree Nation, which includes approximately $570 million in financial compensation for past wrongs, including the loss of land and resources.
The Cumberland House Cree Nation settlement dates back to 1876, when the Canadian government set aside land for the Nation in Treaty 5 territory. However, the land was of poor agricultural quality, and the Nation was not properly consulted or compensated when the land was sold or transferred.
"For too long, Treaty promises have been broken, impacting our communities' economic growth and self-sufficiency," said Chief Kirby Constant of James Smith Cree Nation. "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. We will continue to stand together to ensure these agreements bring real change for generations to come."
