Canada settles Agricultural Benefits specific claims with fourteen First Nations under Treaties 4 and 6

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

February 21, 2025

The Government has committed to settling longstanding claims by First Nations more quickly so they can take advantage of economic opportunities and launch new community initiatives. For decades, colonial policies denied First Nations their inherent rights and Treaty rights, leading to the dispossession of land and resources. Advancing reconciliation means resolving these historical issues so that First Nations leaders are empowered to take on new and exciting opportunities for future generations.

Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, would like to acknowledge the settlement of Agricultural Benefit Claims with the following First Nation Communities: Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation; James Smith Cree Nation #370; Little Black Bear First Nation; Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation; Moosomin First Nation; Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation; Pasqua First Nation; Piapot First Nation; Pelican Lake First Nation; Poundmaker Cree Nation; Saulteaux First Nation; Sweetgrass First Nation; Waterhen Lake First Nation and Witchekan Lake First Nation.

These claims address failed Treaty promises by Canada to provide promised ploughs, seeds for important crops, livestock such as cows and bulls, and other farming necessities. These agricultural benefits were meant to facilitate First Nation economic development.

Once fully settled, $1.72B will be provided in combined compensation to these First Nations. Under the expedited resolution framework for agricultural benefits claims, Canada has provided a total of about $4.58B to First Nations in the western provinces since May 2023.

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. 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.

Quotes

“After years of negotiations and court, we are pleased to see our people compensated for agricultural implements not delivered by Canada. It was a promise made to us under Treaty, that was supposed to help us farm alongside European settlers, but as we know, that never happened. Today, we look forward to providing our people with new tools to participate in the local economy and build our own self-sustaining industries.”

Chief Calvin Sanderson
Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree Nation

“For too long, Treaty promises have been broken, impacting our communities’ economic growth and self-sufficiency. Settling Agricultural Benefit Claims is a step toward justice, but true reconciliation means full accountability and action. Our Nations deserve the resources promised to build strong, self-sustaining futures. We will continue to stand together to ensure these agreements bring real change for generations to come.”

Chief Kirby Constant
James Smith Cree Nation

“When we were informed that Canada has finally developed the process to settle our long outstanding Treaty Four Agricultural Benefits Claim, we were very happy to hear that there was something in place to settle this important Treaty promise. Little Black Bear’s Band Membership has agreed to the settlement offer and the Trust Agreement that goes with it. Our Nation now has the resources to plan a better future and a clearer vision for our people. The principal amount of money will remain in Trust and continue to provide an own source revenue stream for our Nation and our people for years to come. Also, the honour payment that our people received after waiting for so long has been distributed and it is being spent back into the Canadian economy. We wish to thank all those who had a hand in this process.”

Chief Clarence Bellegarde
Little Black Bear’s Band

“The journey of reconciliation has begun and represents an opportunity to determine our future. As a Nakota Nation, Mosquito Grizzly Bears Head Lean Man’s ancestral legacy is to act on behalf of our Treaty 4 and 6 rights, while there continues to be a tremendous amount of work to do collectively, today’s announcement of the MGBHLM Agriculture Treaty Benefits has moved us in the right direction towards our self-determination.”

Chief Tanya Aguilar-Antiman
Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation

“Pelican Lake First Nation celebrates the conclusion of this Treaty Benefit claim known to our people as the broken Treaty 6 Cows and Ploughs promise. This broken promise from 150 years ago has contributed to the suffering of 6 to 8 generations of our families. Although this appears to be a substantial settlement it is important that the people of Canada understand that it cannot by itself heal the accumulated hurts that we have suffered. We do recognize that this settlement will empower us to cooperatively work with Saskatchewan and Canada to begin the healing that we all need to take place. It isPelican important that we all recognize that this healing process will take generations to achieve as we are attempting to recover from generations of suffering.

Pelican Lake First Nation does see a path to healing. This path includes both the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada. I genuinely appreciate the presence of The Honourable Gary Ananadasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. I also respectfully request Premier Scott Moe to meet with Pelican Lake First Nation so that we can present to him our vision and analysis on which our path to economic and social healing is based. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation we know that we must engage and work together with both federal and provincial governments to truly succeed. We will continue to pursue justice for our people by ensuring that both our inherent rights and Treaty rights are honored and enforced.

We also appreciate and recognize the many leaders and organizations who have worked together to bring this Cows and Ploughs Treaty Benefit Claim to a conclusion. I wish to specifically recognize the Government of Canada, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and Maurice Law for their efforts and support. I also want to recognize and thank my Council for their hard work and support.”

Chief Peter Bill
Pelican Lake First Nation

“We are honoured to host the Honourable Minister Gary Anandasangaree in our homelands to officially announce the Agricultural Benefits Settlement. Our ancestors were victims of government policies meant to eliminate our people. They suffered immensely and survived. Today, the settlement provides monetary compensation for agricultural benefits that our ancestors were denied. The settlement provides compensation to our band, band members, and future generations in keeping with the perpetual obligation of Treaties; “As long as the sun shines, grass grows, and rivers flow.”

Chief Robert Head
Peter Chapman Band

“This settlement is a recognition of the promises made to Sweetgrass First Nation under Treaty and the rights our people have always held. While no settlement will fully address the impacts of past injustices, today’s agreement is a step toward honouring the commitments made to our ancestors. Sweetgrass First Nation will continue to ensure treaty commitments are fully implemented for the benefit of future generations.”

Chief Lorie Whitecalf
Sweetgrass First Nation

“Resolving specific claims is a key part of the Government of Canada’s reconciliation with First Nations. Working in partnership with First Nations, Canada has resolved over 742 specific claims since 1973 These negotiated settlements are a step toward a renewed relationship with the community, and one that was necessary in order for Canada to be an honest and accountable Treaty partner. It’s the right thing to do.”

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Quick facts

• Treaty 6 is an agreement between the Crown and the Plains and Woods Cree, Assiniboine, and other band governments at Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt, representing most of the central area of the current provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Treaty 6 signings began on 18 August 1876 and ran until 9 September 1876.
• Treaty 4, also known as the Qu’Appelle Treaty, was signed on September 15, 1874 between Queen Victoria and Indigenous peoples. The treaty covered a large area of the Canadian prairies, including parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta.
• From April 1, 2020 to January 31, 2025, 198 claims have been resolved for close to $11.4 billion in compensation.
• From April 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025, 41 claims were resolved for $3.49 billion in compensation; 98 claims were filed with the Minister and Canada made an offer to negotiate on 48 claims.

Associated links

• Specific Claims
• Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation
• Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree Nation
• James Smith Cree Nation
• Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation
• Moosomin First Nation
• Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation
• Peter Chapman Band
• Pasqua First Nation
• Piapot First Nation
• Poundmaker Cree Nation
• Saulteaux First Nation
• Sweetgrass First Nation
• Waterhen First Nation

Contacts
For more information, media may contact:

Brittany Walker
Little Black Bear’s Band
306-551-7656
beeleah3@gmail.com

Jim Ramsay
Band Manager, Pelican Lake First Nation
306-231-9195
jramsay@aimasp.com

Gregory Frame
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
gregory.frame@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca

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