The LLRIB submitted its claim in 2018. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

compensation

LLRIB receives offer of settlement for ‘Cows and plows’ claim

Apr 5, 2024 | 5:00 PM

A formal offer of settlement for the Treaty 6 Agricultural Benefits Claims has been received from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) from the federal government.

That’s according to an update sent to membership on Friday, which states LLRIB council have appointed a Settlement Planning Committee (SPC) to engage with members as to the use of the settlement funds. The committee will then recommend a settlement financial plan to council.

“The SPC will be holding community meetings the week of April 21, 2024, to obtain feedback from membership on how the settlement funds should be used,” the update notes.

“These meetings are for LLRIB members only. The meetings will not be livestreamed, and cellphones/recording devices will not be allowed.”

Once the financial plan and settlement agreement are complete, a ratification date will be set where LLRIB membership will vote to decide if they accept the settlement and financial plan.

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The first meeting will be held April 21 in La Ronge, followed by Grandmother’s Bay, Sucker River, Stanley Mission, Hall Lake, Little Red River, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and finally Pinehouse Lake on April 27.

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, the LLRIB received partial validation for its 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.

In 2023, LLRIB council also passed a resolution and retained lawyers to pursue a claim to increase the Treaty annuity payment. The rate has been $5 per year since Feb. 11, 1889, when Treaty 6 was signed in Molanosa.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com