Saskatoon, Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories, Saskatchewan - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Today, Chief Edwin Ananas of the Beardy's and Okemasis' First Nation; Chief Jack Rayne of the Big River First Nation; Chief Tyson Bear of the Flying Dust First Nation; Chief Greg Desjarlais of the Frog Lake First Nation; Chief Trevor John of the Kehewin Cree Nation; Chief Donald Ironchild of the Little Pine First Nation; Chief Crystal Okemow of the Lucky Man First Nation; Chief Tanya Aguilar-Antiman of the Mosquito, Grizzly Bear's Head, Lean Man First Nation; Chief Janine Baldhead of the One Arrow First Nation; Chief Henry Lewis of the Onion Lake Cree Nation; Chief Duane Antoine of the Poundmaker First Nation; Chief Lux Benson of the Red Pheasant First Nation; Chief Lorie Whitecalf of the Sweetgrass First Nation; Chief Delbert Wapass of the Thunderchild First Nation; and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced the settlement of fourteen Treaty Salaries specific claims. This achievement marks another step toward rebuilding Canada's relationship and addressing the historical grievances to these communities.
The specific claims arise from Canada's withholding of Treaty annuity and salary payments that were rightfully owed to Chiefs and Headmen between 1885 and 1951, based on the false allegation that these Nations had participated in the 1885 North-West Resistance. Following dialogue and negotiation, Canada will provide a total compensation of over $37 million to 14 First Nations.
The settlements represent Canada's commitment to addressing historical wrongs for the past, current and future generations of the affected Nations.
Honouring Canada's moral and legal obligations and properly compensating First Nations for what was unlawfully withheld from them is fundamental to advancing reconciliation in Canada and rebuilding trust with Indigenous communities.
