Gary Anandasangaree is draped with a Star Blanket after meeting with First Nations Chiefs on Aug. 1, 2023. (@FSINations/Twitter)

By paNOW Staff

RIGHTING HISTORIC WRONGS

Federal Government to pay $37 million to 14 First Nations in Sask. for unpaid Treaty Salaries

Aug 2, 2023 | 10:06 AM

Over a dozen First Nations from Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories in Saskatchewan are praising a historic settlement agreement on Treaty Salaries.

Gary Anandasangaree, the newly appointed minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, announced the settlement of 14 Treaty Salaries specific claims on Tuesday in Saskatoon.

These claims come from Canada’s withholding of Treaty annuity and salary payments rightfully owed to Chiefs and Headmen between 1885 and 1951. The federal government will provide a total compensation of $37 million to the 14 First Nations.

Many northern First Nations are a part of the settlement including Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation, Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation, Onion Lake Cree Nation, and Thunderchild First Nation.

“Any acknowledgement of a past wrong by Canada is a step in the right direction as it relates to reconciliation,” said Chief Delbert Wapass of Thunderchild First Nation. “I believe that someday soon if we all have open minds and hearts, we will all mutually benefit and coexist as per the spirit and intent of Treaty.”

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“Although much work remains to be done towards reconciliation, this settlement nevertheless represents forward progress,” added Chief Edwin Ananas of Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation.

From April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, 56 claims were resolved for $3.5 billion in compensation, 64 claims were filed with the minister, and Canada made an offer to negotiate on 58 claims.

So far, the federal government said it has resolved 665 specific claims since 1973.

“For far too long, Canada has withheld Treaty annuities and salary payments that were rightfully owed to your communities — as a country, it’s our duty to acknowledge and address these historic wrongs and move forward, together,” Anandasangaree said.

Earlier in the day, Anandasangaree met with First Nations Chiefs and leaders of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).

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panews@pattisonmedia.com