Sask. First Nation agrees to $152M agricultural settlement with Ottawa

Sturgeon Lake First Nation says communitymembers havevoted in favour of a $152-million settlement over the federal government's reneged agricultural promises as outlined in Treaty 6.

It is among several settlements referred to as "cows and plows" agreementsbetween Saskatchewan First Nation communities and the federal government over the failure to fulfiltreaty promises to provide agricultural assistance and tools.

According to a news release from the community, issued Wednesday, Canada did not deliver promised agricultural tools, seeds and livestock that "were crucial for the community's economic development and self-sufficiency."

"We haven't been able to do a lot of things within our community because we haven't had the funding for that," Sturgeon Lake Chief Christine Longjohn said Thursday.

"So this is a huge step and it promises a brighter future, you know, for the generation now, but also the generations ahead."

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The Cree community, located about 146 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon, has about 3,250 members.

Longjohn saideach registered member alive on the date of the ratification vote, which ran from July 22 to July 26, will receive $30,000 of the total settlement. Funds for minors will go into a trust until they are 18.

Of the remainder, $36 million is being put into a legacy trust fund, $12 million into a community development fund and the rest toward ratification costs, loan payment, legal fees and the legacy account, she said.

"With the legacy fund, that is going to ensure there is always funds available for the community for generations to come," Longjohn said.

A news release from the community said 51 per cent of eligible members voted, with88 per cent votingin favour.

Now that the ratification vote is complete, Longjohn saidthe First Nation council can sign the agreement, which willthen go toMinister of Crown-Indigenous RelationsGary Anandasangareeto sign on behalf of Canada.

The process of signing the agreement and delivering the money is expected to take about six months, according to the First Nation. The federal government saidthe compensation will be paid within 45 days of the agreement being signed.

According to data from the federal government website, more than $729 millionhas been paidto Saskatchewan First Nation communities in similar settlements, including certain situations where the government did not provide promisedammunition and twine.

In an email, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada spokesperson Ryan Tyndall said each settlement is negotiated separately and considers several factors.

"We are very pleased that the First Nation's membership has approved the proposed settlement, which will help to renew our relationship with and advance reconciliation with the First Nation," the email said.

"The Government of Canada has no involvement in how a First Nation uses settlement monies. First Nations can use their settlements to invest in community priorities and initiatives as they see fit."