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A Saskatchewan First Nation is to receive $31.6 million after settling a treaty land entitlement claim with the provincial and federal governments.
The Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation signed Treaty 6 in 1876, and at the time the Crown agreed to set aside 128 acres of land per community member.
An 1889 order set aside 49,280 acres, or enough for 385 people, but the First Nation had a population of 419 at the time, leaving it short 4,352 acres.
In a tripartite agreement announced Thursday, the provincial and federal governments and Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Chief Daryl Watson settled the claim.
The federal government agreed to pay $22.5 million, with Saskatchewan paying $9.1 million as the First Nation works to add up to 29,394 acres to its reserve. A further $4.9 million was set aside to compensate rural municipalities and school divisions “once taxable land is set apart as reserve.”
“With the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876, Chief Mistawasis brought a new way of life for his people,” Watson said in a statement. “Righting this historical wrong will enable the Nation to realize the benefits owed to them for generations to come.”
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s minister responsible for First Nation, Métis and Northern Affairs, said the settlement marks a step forward in reconciliation.
“Together, we can continue building a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people through new partnerships, social developments and economic opportunities,” McMorris said. “The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to work together with First Nations and Métis partners to advance reconciliation.”
This claim marks the second treaty land settlement in Saskatchewan in recent weeks. On June 30, the provincial and federal governments settled a land claim agreement with Zagimē Anishinabēk for $20.5 million.
The federal government has resolved more than 592 outstanding claims by First Nations since 1973.
Mistawasis Nêhiyawak is located about 70 kilometres west of Prince Albert.
