SLFN Chief and Council. Back Row: Councillor Solomon Sanderson, Councillor Bernard Moosehunter, Councillor Velmer Ermine, Councillor Fred Felix and Councillor Mark Daniels. Front Row: Councillor Anita Parenteau, and Chief Christine Longjohn. (submitted photo/Tina Pelletier)

By Susan McNeil

Deal signed

Sturgeon Lake approves ‘cows and plows’ deal with feds

Jul 31, 2024 | 1:14 PM

Five years after first filing claim, the Sturgeon Lake First Nation has reached a deal that will see about $152 million come to the community as the federal government settles the outstanding agricultural benefits clause of Treaty 6.

Band members voted between July 22 and 26 of this year, with 1,107 eligible members taking time to vote. Of those that did, 88 per cent voted in favour.

“This agreement marks a significant milestone for our community,” said Chief Christine Longjohn of Sturgeon Lake First Nation. “It will greatly benefit everyone in our community, living both on or off the reserve, promising positive changes for all.”

According to a news release issued by the First Nation, the settlement addresses unfulfilled promises made by Canada to provide agricultural tools and support to the Cree community, located about 50 km northwest of Prince Albert.

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The band’s 3,100 members will share in the settlement.

The process began in 2018 under former Chief Greg Ermine, following the discovery that the Government of Canada has not fulfilled its obligations in Treaty 6 when it came to delivering agricultural tools, seeds and livestock.

“The filing of this claim marks a significant step towards justice and reconciliation. It is not just about rectifying the past, but about building a stronger future for our community,” said Chief Longjohn. “We are determined to ensure that the promises made to our ancestors are finally honoured. This journey is a testament to our resilience and our unwavering commitment to justice and equity for our people.”

The vote shows an ‘overwhelming approval and commitment to advancing justice and prosperity’ for Sturgeon Lake, said the release.

With the vote results, community leaders can now sign the needed documents and agreements with the federal government.

It will take another six months or so for the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations to finish their part of the agreement and transfer the funds to the First Nation.

More explanation on agricultural benefits promised in some of the Treaties can be found at the website of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com