Left to Right: Norman McKenzie, Elder Bella McKenzie, Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, and Councillor Gerald McKenzie at the community hall in Grandmother’s Bay during the voting for the Treaty 6 Agricultural Benefits Claim. (Lac La Ronge Indian Band/submitted)

By larongeNOW Staff

Historic agreement

LLRIB, federal government reach agricultural benefits deal worth $601.5 million

Aug 24, 2024 | 3:00 PM

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) has approved a historic settlement agreement with the federal government.

The agreement, worth $601.5 million, both addresses the long-standing ‘cows-and-plows’ clause of Treaty 6 and resolves unfulfilled promises made by the Canadian Government to provide agricultural support to the Band.

“This is a momentous day for Lac La Ronge Indian Band,” said LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson. “The membership’s overwhelming support for the settlement demonstrates their commitment to securing a better future for our community. We are pleased that Canada has finally recognized and acknowledged its failure to fulfill the obligations under Treaty 6, and this settlement is a critical step towards rectifying that historical wrong.”

A community vote was held from Aug. 19 to 22, which was followed by in-person voting on Aug. 23, and saw a record turnout of 5,068 ballots cast out of 8,462 eligible voters, resulting in a 60 per cent voter turnout—the highest voter turnout in its history. Of that 60 percent, 95 percent of voters, or 4,835 band members over 18-years-old, voted in favour, while 181 voted against and 52 ballots were spoiled.

The offer to settle the Treaty 6 Agricultural Benefits Claim was one of the largest of its kind in Canadian history and was approved following extensive community consultations. Leaders in the LLRIB held many meetings, information sessions, and discussions to ensure that all members in the community had the opportunity to learn about the settlement, ask questions, and have their opinions heard.

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“This settlement is the result of careful consideration and input from our community members. We wanted to ensure that everyone’s voice was heard and that the decision we made together reflects the collective will and best interests of the band membership. This agreement represents a significant step toward justice and reconciliation for the members of our First Nation,” said Chief Cook-Searson.

With the community’s approval, leaders in the community are now going ahead and finalizing the deal settlement agreement with the federal government. The process is expected to take up to seven months to complete.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com