The Government of Canada remains committed to honouring its Treaty obligations to First Nations through the fulfilment of Agriculture Benefits promises. These claims settlements position First Nations across the Prairies, including in rural and more remote areas, to invest in their communities and in economic development initiatives that create jobs for their members and for others, and support GDP growth.
Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, is pleased to announce a third wave of agricultural benefit-specific claim settlements has been reached with First Nations this fiscal year. Settlements totalling $1.23 billion have been reached, including with Kahkewistahaw First Nation (Treaty 4), Keeseekoose First Nation (Treaty 4), Little Pine First Nation (Treaty 6), Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation (Treaty 6), Montana First Nation (Treaty 6) Muskowekwan First Nation (Treaty 4), Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (Treaty 6), and Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation (Treaty 4). Each of these settlements represents an important step in an ongoing process of reciprocity and Canada's commitment to address injustices faced by First Nations.
In 2024-25, the Government of Canada settled a historic 37 agricultural benefit claims settlements worth $5.37 billion. A total of 46 claims valued at $6.25 billion have been settled under the Expedited Resolution Strategy for agricultural benefits claims in Treaties 4, 5, 6 and 10 since it was announced by the Government of Canada in 2023. This streamlined approach has meant that First Nations have settled these claims at unprecedented speed.
Specific claims are legal claims made by First Nations related to the fulfillment of historical agreements between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown. Settling these claims is the right thing to do. The settlements include compensation for agricultural benefits that Canada failed to provide under Treaties 4,5, 6 and 10. These Treaty commitments included ploughs, seeds for important crops, livestock such as cows and bulls, and other farming necessities. These agricultural benefits were meant to facilitate their economic development and food security. The fulfillment of these agreements is a reflection of the federal government's dedication to restoring fairness and working in partnership with First Nations to advance their prosperity, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being.
This announcement is part of the federal government's ongoing efforts to resolve specific claims and promote the healing and prosperity of First Nations communities. The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to work with First Nations leaders, community members, and organizations to resolve historical grievances, foster economic opportunities, and build a path toward a brighter future for all people living in Canada.
