Government of Canada announces major settlements with First Nations

Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, will hold a media availability to acknowledge and discuss Agricultural Benefits specific claims settlements. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick) (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

The Government of Canada has announced landmark settlements with 21 First Nation communities.

The settlements were announced by Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Gary Anandasangaree on Friday.

The settlements will provide over $1.7 billion in combined compensation to 20 First Nation communities, including Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, James Smith Cree Nation, and Little Black Bear First Nation, among others.

“Crown Indigenous Relations will continue to work with First Nations in Treaties 4, 5, 6, and 10 on the remaining outstanding agricultural benefit provisions in these Treaties,” the ministry said in a release.

“Our ongoing goal to fully implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that includes Indigenous Peoples’ inherent right to self-determination.”

In addition to the Agricultural Benefit Claims settlements, the Government of Canada has also reached a separate settlement agreement with Cumberland House Cree Nation. This agreement includes approximately $570 million in financial compensation for past wrongs, including the loss of land and resources.

The Cumberland House Cree Nation settlement dates back to 1876, when the Canadian government set aside land for the Nation in Treaty 5 territory. However, the land was of poor agricultural quality, and the Nation was not properly consulted or compensated when the land was sold or transferred.

Under the expedited resolution framework for agricultural benefits claims, Canada has provided a total of over $4.5B to First Nations in the western provinces since May 2023, according to the Government of Canada.