A Saskatchewan First Nation is celebrating a settlement with the federal government over a claim that Canada violated a treaty agreement by failing to provide agricultural benefits to the community.
The Kinistin Saulteaux First Nation in Saskatchewan settled for $56.8 million with the government over the community’s limitations that were forced upon it by the government’s breach of the treaty.
According to this specific claim, Canada breached its legal obligations to the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation by failing to provide agricultural benefits owed as specified in Treaty 4. Not fulfilling this treaty commitment limited the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation’s economic self-sufficiency and its capacity to produce its own food and agricultural products, a government statement said.
Kinistin Saulteaux Nation Chief Felix Thomas said the agreement is a fair result of what he considered to be a fair negotiation process.
“For Kinistin this agreement is a treaty right fulfilled and treaty implementation. This was a result of the parties working towards a fair process and a result we feel is fair,” he said. “We have other outstanding claims and are confident that this will pave the way for treaty implementation in other areas.”
Federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree said it was the government’s duty to correct such treaty violations in the spirit of reconciliation.
“This settlement agreement is the result of years of hard work and persistence. I want to acknowledge Chief Thomas for his leadership and the negotiating team for their dedication. The denial of these benefits had devastating effects on the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation — as a country, it’s our duty to address these historic wrongs and repay Canada’s debts,” he said.
“This is key to advancing reconciliation and building a stronger and more united country, for everyone in Canada.”
The claim was received on March 11, 2008, and Canada first offered to negotiate on Sept. 28, 2011. A community ratification vote was held on April 18, with 97 per cent of the participants voting in favour of the settlement agreement.
The community is located 39 kilometres southeast of Melfort, Saskatchewan.
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