The claim was submitted to the federal government in 2018. (File photo/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

settlement

Full cows and plows payments expected by Friday

Jan 6, 2025 | 2:53 PM

The remainder of the $601.5 million settlement from the federal government to the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) should be distributed by the end of the week.

“This is a significant milestone for our community, and I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding throughout this process,” said LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson in a recent update to membership regarding the Treaty 6 Agricutural Benefits Claim, also known as ‘Cows and Plows.’

“Thank you for your patience and trust as we finalize this process. Together, we continue to strengthen our community and work towards a prosperous future for all members.”

In December, the First Nation distributed 7,195 advances of $10,000 each to members who were 18 years or older as of Aug. 23, 2024 (the day of ratification), and to those who had applied. With the full $35,000 per member entitlement set to be released this week, members who received the advance will receive an additional $25,000 and members who did not receive the advance will get the $35,000.

“We are striving to make these final EFT payments by Jan.10, but please be aware that processing may take longer due to the volume of payments,” the update notes.

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‘Cows and Plows’ refers to a commitment under Treaty 6 negotiated with Queen Victoria in 1876. It is a commitment to assist First Nations in transitioning from a hunting-centric lifestyle to one more aligned with Euro-Canadian agriculture or livestock raising.

In October 2018, the LLRIB completed historical research and submitted its claim to the federal government. In 2021, they received partial validation for the claim, but as the federal government only agreed to negotiate part of it, the band escalated the matter to the federal court.

In-person negotiation meetings were held with the federal government in December 2022, and at that time, it was indicated they were ready to begin substantive negotiations which would resolve the band’s outstanding claim. A settlement offer was received by the LLRIB in April 2024.

A community vote was held from Aug. 19 to 22, 2024, 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 per cent, 95 per cent of voters, or 4,835 band members over 18, voted in favour, while 181 voted against and 52 ballots were spoiled.

Aside from the payout to individual members, the band itself will obtain a significant portion of the settlement that will go towards community investments.

If members have any questions or require further information, they are asked to contact Agricultural Benefits coordinator Florence Veteri at florence.veteri@llrib.ca.

larongeNOW reached out to Cook-Searson for comment, but did’t receive a response by time of publishing.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com