Latest news with #TREATY6
Cision Canada
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
One Arrow First Nation and Canada reach farming benefits settlement
ONE ARROW FIRST NATION, TREATY 6 TERRITORY, SK, July 31, 2025 /CNW/ - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and One Arrow First Nation Today, Chief of One Arrow First Nation and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced a settlement agreement resolving the Nation's Agricultural Benefits claim, also known as a Cows and Plows settlement. Under this agreement, the Government of Canada will pay $124 million in compensation to One Arrow First Nation for failing to fulfill its Treaty 6 obligations to provide the Nation with farming tools, plows, crop seeds, livestock, and other supplies. These agricultural benefits were meant to facilitate One Arrow First Nation's transition to a strong, self-sustaining community through farming. However, as a result of Canada's failure to meet its Treaty obligations, the Nation did not have the equipment it needed to support its members. Settling specific claims is an important part of Canada's ongoing efforts to advance reconciliation by rebuilding trust and strengthening its relationships with First Nations. By providing fair compensation in recognition of unkept promises, Canada is taking responsibility and working toward a better future. This work is guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Quotes "Chief One Arrow once said, 'Do not mistreat my people'—a message that continues to echo through generations. This agricultural benefits settlement is about respect and honouring our treaty. It acknowledges that the promises made under Treaty 6 were not upheld, and that the consequences of those broken promises are still felt today. As we move forward, we do so with our Treaty in mind—not only for ourselves, but for our children and those yet to come. We are all Treaty people. Honouring these agreements is not only an obligation; it is a shared commitment to work together in the spirit of reconciliation, justice, and partnership. By sharing our history, we help others understand that it was our ancestors who thought of us when they entered into Treaty. We must continue to think of our future generations in the same way—as our ancestors once thought of us." Chief Janine Baldhead One Arrow First Nation "Canada's failure to uphold its promise to provide the people of One Arrow First Nation with the support they were entitled to is a shameful chapter in our shared history – one whose consequences continue to be felt today. Today's settlement reflects our desire to take responsibility for historical injustices in order to build trust, renew relationships with First Nations, and advance the work of reconciliation." The Honourable Rebecca Alty Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "This settlement with One Arrow First Nation reflects our shared commitment to honouring Treaty 6. It's a meaningful step towards strengthening our relationship and continuing the important work of reconciliation together." The Honourable Buckley Belanger Secretary of State (Rural Development) Quick facts One Arrow First Nation is a Cree First Nations band government in Bellevue, Saskatchewan. Its main reserve is located just south of Batoche near the South Saskatchewan River, about 100 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. The One Arrow First Nation's reserve is in the Aspen Parkland biome. It is bordered by the rural municipalities of St. Louis No. 431, Fish Creek No. 402, and Duck Lake No. 463. Treaty 6 was signed by Crown representatives and Cree, Assiniboine and Ojibwe leaders on August 23, 1876, at Fort Carleton, Saskatchewan, and on September 9, 1876, at Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. The Treaty boundaries extend across the central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. Specific claims deal with past wrongs against First Nations. These claims—made by First Nations against the Government of Canada—relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets and to the fulfillment of historic treaties and other agreements. Claims are addressed through an alternative dispute resolution process under the Specific Claims Policy and, since 2009, the Specific Claims Tribunal Act. Over the past five years (April 1, 2020, to May 31, 2025), 229 claims have been resolved for nearly $15.1 billion in compensation. To date, 53 agricultural benefits claims have been resolved in Treaties 4, 5, 6, and 10, for more than $6.9 billion in compensation. Associated links One Arrow First Nation Specific Claims Stay connected Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Cision Canada
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Big River First Nation and Canada reach agricultural benefits settlement agreement
BIG RIVER FIRST NATION, TREATY 6 TERRITORY, SK, July 31, 2025 /CNW/ - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Big River First Nation Today, Chief Jonathan Bear of Big River First Nation and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced a settlement agreement resolving the Nation's longstanding claims related to past treaty entitlements, including agricultural benefits, also known as a Cows and Plows settlement. Canada will pay $208 million in compensation to Big River First Nation in recognition of the federal government's failure to provide farming tools, crop seed, ammunition and livestock promised under Treaty 6. These items were intended to support Big River First Nation in their agricultural pursuits. However, as a result of Canada's failure to meet its Treaty obligations, the Nation did not have the equipment it needed to support its members. Settling specific claims is an important part of Canada's ongoing efforts to advance reconciliation by rebuilding trust and strengthening its relationships with First Nations. By providing fair compensation in recognition of unkept promises, Canada is taking responsibility and working toward a better future. This work is guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Quotes "Today marks a historic day for our Nation. This settlement signifies new and promising pathways for current and future generations of our people while also affirming our Nation-to-Nation relationship with Canada by acknowledging our inherent Treaty rights as First Nations people." Jonathan Bear Chief of Big River First Nation "Addressing Canada's mistreatment of Big River First Nation and reaching this settlement are essential steps toward improving the relationship between our nations. The failure to provide the people of Big River First Nation with the support they were promised under Treaty 6 has had lasting economic consequences for the community. This agreement seeks to resolve this historical injustice, and create new opportunities for a brighter future." The Honourable Rebecca Alty Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "This settlement marks an important moment in Canada's partnership with Big River First Nation under Treaty 6. It reflects our shared focus on moving forward together, building trust, and supporting the Nation's future in the spirit of reconciliation." The Honourable Buckley Belanger Secretary of State (Rural Development) Quick facts Big River First Nation is a part of the Cree Nation and is located in Saskatchewan, close to the Big River and Prince Albert National Park. Big River First Nation is located approximately 120 kilometres northwest of the city of Prince Albert and 19 kilometres southwest of the village of Debden. It has nearly 30,000 acres of reserve land. Treaty 6 was signed by Crown representatives and Cree, Assiniboine and Ojibwe leaders on August 23, 1876, at Fort Carleton, Saskatchewan, and on September 9, 1876, at Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. The Treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. Specific claims deal with past wrongs against First Nations. These claims—made by First Nations against the Government of Canada—relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets, and to the fulfilment of historic treaties and other agreements. Claims are addressed through an alternative dispute resolution process under the Specific Claims Policy, and, since 2009, the Specific Claims Tribunal Act. Over the past five years (April 1, 2020 to May 31, 2025), 229 claims have been resolved for nearly $15.1 billion in compensation. To date, 53 agricultural benefits claims have been resolved in Treaties 4, 5, 6, and 10, for more than $6.9 billion in compensation. Associated links Stay connected Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada
Cision Canada
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
"If We Don't Have Water, We Don't Have Life" - Elders from Treaty 6, 7 and 8 Stand Together to Affirm Treaty and Protect Our Water
(TREATY 6 TERRITORY) EDMONTON, AB, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Following the 2 nd Chiefs Gathering on Water, a group of Elders in Treaty 6, 7, and 8 territories wish to issue a clear statement to First Nations Peoples and leaders, and to the Government of Canada. We speak together from a place of unity, with the wisdom of our ancestors, grounded in our ceremonies and guided by our Creation stories—stories that come from the land. In nearly every First Nation, we see and feel what has happened to our water, land, animals, and ways of being, knowing and doing. We see water that cannot be consumed, animals that cannot be eaten, and ceremony that is not honoured. Water is our relative. If we don't have water, we don't have life. "If we don't act now, it may be too late," says Dr. Charles Weaselhead, former Blood Tribe Chief and Treaty 7 Grand Chief. "As Chief, I witnessed the devolution of services and rights for our Peoples, issues that came up time and again with each government elected. We know how it plays out; transfer responsibility to Nations without the equal transfer of authority, adequate funding and control that recognizes our inherent sovereignty within these territories." First Nations Peoples have lived under colonial systems that undermine our inherent right to self-determination and the proper care of our Peoples for far too long. "We remind all governments that our Treaty rights are not granted but affirmed. This is a relationship with the Crown, and it endures to this day," says Mel Beaver from Bigstone Cree Nation in Treaty 8. Further reminding Chiefs, "When are we going to wake up and act like who we are, strong people of Treaty 6, 7 and 8? We think we don't have power, but we do." This is an important and critical time, and Treaty cannot be ignored any longer. "We came together to discuss the issues in our nations and to secure water protection for our Peoples," says Rose Crowshoe from Piikani Nation. "We are the keepers of this land, of our cultures, and the well-being of seven generations in the future—for our grandchildren's grandchildren. We are carriers of the water, and we must protect it, because water is life." As Elders, we are reclaiming who we are to show the world what we can do when we stand together. Now is the time. To all First Nations Peoples, our strength is with each other. About the 2 nd Chiefs Gathering on Water and Related Infrastructure The 2 nd Chiefs Gathering on Water brought together more than 70 Elders to speak about water, Treaty rights, and a path forward, now and for seven generations in the future. Grounded in pipe ceremony, the Gathering provided an important forum for Elders to share teachings and stories with Chiefs and technicians in Treaty 6, 7 and 8 to spark a call to action before it is too late. About the Chiefs Steering Committee The Chiefs Steering Committee on Technical Services (CSC) was established to provide oversight and direction to the First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group (TSAG). TSAG is a not-for-profit group to serve First Nations in Treaty 6, 7, and 8 across the Alberta region to support the interests and needs of First Nations, working together with Chiefs and technicians to address water, housing, health, education and infrastructure. CSC Elders and Youth Advisory Group As the carriers of ancestral wisdom and traditional teachings, Elders and Knowledge Holders provide the spiritual, cultural, and historical context necessary to understand the deep relationship between our people and water. Their role in supporting Chiefs in the fight to protect Treaty rights and water is foundational, as they offer a deep understanding of natural law, oral histories, and the sacred agreements between Treaty Nations and the Crown.
