The LLRIB is hoping to join negiotations with the federal government and other First Nations. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

federal negotiations

LLRIB provides update on cows and plows settlement

Jul 9, 2020 | 5:00 PM

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) is meeting with legal counsel in hopes of joining negotiations to develop a settlement framework agreement for agricultural benefits with the federal government.

Those details were included in a letter issued by Chief Tammy Cook-Searson to band members earlier this month, which was meant to update the public on the progress made on the outstanding agricultural benefits claim, also known as cows and plows. Cook-Searson wrote the latest development is the federal government, as well as Sunchild First Nation (Treaty 6) and Kinistin Saulteaux Nation (Treaty 4), have now entered into an agreement to mediate negotiations.

“We will be meeting shortly with our legal counsel to get an update on the negotiations and to set up a formal agreement that will give us the opportunity to contribute to these negotiations,” the letter states. “We are eager to take this new step and we will continue to keep you informed as we work towards a settlement of these outstanding treaty obligations, not only for the LLRIB, but for all Treaty 6 First Nations.”

The LLRIB filed a specific claim with the federal government back in 2018, which outlined why band leadership believes Canada failed to live up to the promises made under Treaty 6, particularly regarding agricultural benefits or payment in lieu.

Since the claim was filed, the letter notes the federal government has been reviewing the claim to determine its validity. It adds Canada has three-and-a-half years from the date of submission to do so.

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“However, we as your leadership believe that this is too long, especially considering that this promise was made over 130 years ago,” the letter states. “Thus, we have been actively lobbying the Minister of Indigenous Services, as well as officials of the Specific Claims Branch, to expedite the validation of our claim.”

The LLRIB has hired Ackroyd LLP, a legal firm also representing Sunchild First Nation, to keep the band informed on the status of ongoing negotiations with the federal government.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno