Canada makes $1.72-billion cows-and-plows settlement with 14 Sask. First Nations
The federal government has taken a significant step towards reconciliation with more than a dozen Saskatchewan First Nations by compensating them for agricultural benefits promised in treaties signed long ago but never delivered. This historic agreement, along with a separate land claim settlement with Cumberland House Cree Nation, marks a positive shift in the relationship between Indigenous communities and the Canadian government.
Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Gary Anandasangaree, announced at a news conference that the 14 First Nations involved in the agricultural settlement will receive a combined $1.72 billion. This compensation, referred to as cows-and-plows settlements, aims to fulfill promises made in treaties that included providing tools such as spades, scythes, axes, plows, harrows, and pit saws to be shared among families. Many of these promises were never honored, leading to long-standing grievances within Indigenous communities.
Chief Robert Head of Peter Chapman Band, part of James Smith Cree Nation, expressed gratitude for the compensation, stating that it is justice long overdue. The funds, totaling about $46 million for his First Nation, will be used for trusts, member payments, and infrastructure development. Head highlighted the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, including restrictions on leaving reserves and selling produce, as evidence of genocidal policies enacted by the Canadian government.
Tanya Aguilar-Antiman, Chief of Mosquito-Grizzly Bear’s Head-Lean Man First Nation, emphasized the importance of the settlement as a step towards reconciliation. Her community will receive approximately $114 million, with some funds allocated to a trust for children under 18 to provide them with a head start once they come of age. Aguilar-Antiman highlighted investments in language revitalization and economic development as priorities for her First Nation.
The First Nations set to receive compensation include Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Little Black Bear First Nation, Poundmaker Cree Nation, and others. In a separate agreement, Cumberland House Cree Nation reached a $570-million land claim settlement with the federal government. Chief Rene Chaboyer expressed gratitude for the settlement, which addresses Canada’s sale of Cumberland House land without consultation or compensation in the 1800s. The agreement also allows Cumberland House to expand its land base by approximately 110 square kilometers.
Chaboyer noted that the settlement, after nearly 12 years of negotiation, will enable his community to implement new programs and gain greater control over resources. Anandasangaree emphasized the importance of addressing past wrongs and working in partnership with First Nations to rebuild the Nation-to-Nation relationship. This significant step towards reconciliation underscores the government’s commitment to righting historical injustices and fostering a more equitable future for Indigenous communities.
