A ceremony was held Tuesday at Hatchet Lake to formalize the settlement. (Image Credit: Submitted photo/Connor Burton)

By Derek Cornet

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Hatchet Lake receives $29.6 million Treaty land entitlement settlement

Sep 2, 2026 | 1:54 PM

Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation and the federal and provincial governments have reached a longstanding settlement in regards to Treaty land entitlement claims.

A media release issued Tuesday states under the settlement agreement, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Province of Saskatchewan, will provide Hatchet Lake with $29,602,664 as a full and final compensation. The First Nation may also apply to add up to 28,118 acres of land in line with the federal Additions to Reserve Policy on a willing buyer/seller basis.

“This settlement has been a long time coming for the people of Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation,” said Chief Bartholomew Tsannie, who was unavailable for an interview.

“Our ancestors entered into Treaty 10 with the understanding that its promises would be honoured, including the land that was owed to our people. Today, we honour the generations who carried this claim forward and whose determination brought us here. This agreement gives our Nation an opportunity to invest in our community and create a stronger future for our children and grandchildren.”

Treaty land entitlement claims address situations where First Nations did not receive the amount of reserve land promised to them at the time of treaty. In this case, the federal government did not provide Hatchet Lake with the full amount of land it was entitled to receive under Treaty 10, which was signed in 1907.

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Hatchet Lake receives $29.6 million Treaty land entitlement settlement

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The treaty required the Crown to set aside 640 acres per family of five, or 128 acres per person.

“Treaties are promises, and for too long, the promises made to Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation under Treaty 10 were not fully honoured,” stated Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Buckley Belanger.

“This settlement cannot undo that history, but it recognizes the wrong that was done and takes a meaningful step toward righting it. I’m proud that Canada is fulfilling its responsibility and helping create new opportunities for Hatchet Lake to invest in its land, its community, and its future.”

Settlements provide First Nations with capital that can be invested in community priorities, such as land purchases, infrastructure, and economic development, and create new opportunities that can benefit First Nations and local and regional economies.

Settling specific claims is one way to address past harms, rebuild trust, and support reconciliation in a way that respects the rights of First Nations and all Canadians. This settlement agreement demonstrates the federal and provincial governments’ continued efforts to renew relationships with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

Hatchet Lake receives $29.6 million Treaty land entitlement settlement

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