Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Cumberland House Cree Nation
Honouring Canada's legal obligations to First Nations and working collaboratively to renew the relationship is key to advancing reconciliation with First Nations.
Today, Chief Rene Chaboyer and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced that Cumberland House Cree Nation and the Government of Canada have reached a settlement agreement for the Cumberland House Cree Nation - IR100A Specific Claim.
The claim dates back to 1876, when land was first set aside for Cumberland House Cree Nation in Treaty 5 territory. The Nation argued the land was of poor agricultural quality and petitioned Canada for a new reserve. Canada set aside IR100A immediately south and east of James Smith Cree Nation. In 1902, Canada sold the southern half of IR100A and transferred the remainder of the land and its people to James Smith Cree Nation. Cumberland House Cree Nation was not properly consulted on any of these changes and was not compensated for the loss of the land.
The negotiated settlement includes approximately $570 million in financial compensation to Cumberland House Cree Nation for past wrongs. The settlement will also support Cumberland House Cree Nation in adding approximately 27,000 acres to reserve under the Additions to Reserve Policy.
The successful resolution of specific claims is a key step in Canada's ongoing journey of reconciliation with First Nations-one that acknowledges and addresses the wrongs of the past and helps to build a better future for all Canadians.
