Daily Herald Staff
The joint chiefs of James Smith Cree Nation have announced a $713.8 million settlement agreement for a group of complex land claims.
Chiefs Calvin Sanderson of Chakastaypasin, Kirby Constant of James Smith, and Robert Head of Peter Chapman made the announcement with Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, in attendance.
“This settlement has been a long time coming,” Sanderson said in a press release. “I want to acknowledge all of the hard work put in by our leadership, past and present that has brought us to this day.”
Canada has provided compensation to address several past wrongs. The list includes the invalid surrender and sale of the Chakastaypasin IR98 reserve, a Treaty land entitlement shortfall of 2,944 acres owed to James Smith under the terms of Treaty 6, and the Peter Chapman share of the invalid surrender claim for IR100A.
A portion of the compensation provided also acknowledges the impacts of the wrongful amalgamation on the three First Nations dating back to 1902.
Sanderson said there is still work to be done to restore Chakastaypasin Band to their rightful status as an independent Band recognized by Canada, but this day marks a very important milestone on the journey to fulfilment.
“With the community trust that we’ve established, we intend to invest this money for the benefit of all our membership, in the hope that our grandchildren can experience the prosperity that was denied to past generations.” said Sanderson.
Constant said this settlement is not the end of our journey, but it is an important recognition of those wrongs and a foundation for renewal.
“Today marks an historic step forward for our people for generations the James Smith Cree Nation has carried the weight of unfulfilled promises, broken agreements, and the lasting impacts of forced amalgamation.” Constant said in a press release.
“With these resources, we can begin to restore what was lost, invest in our Nation’s future, and ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a stronger, more self-determined community.“
Constant add that true reconciliation is about action, and today’s agreement is “one step toward restoring the trust and respect that our ancestors were promised under Treaty.”
Head told those in attendance the settlement shows the federal government is taking responsibility for past wrongs.
“On behalf of The Peter Chapman Band, our Elders and our band members, we are grateful that Canada has taken responsibility for the tremendous injustices our ancestors suffered,” Head explained. “This settlement ensures the re-establishment of our sovereign Nation and generational security.”
Responding on behalf of the government, Crown –Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty said the settlement is about taking responsibility for those impacts and setting things right. Addressing historical injustices is a major part of our government’s work to build trust, renew relationships, and help First Nations create a brighter future on their own terms.
“Canada’s broken promises and wrongful actions toward James Smith Cree Nation, Chakastaypasin and Peter Chapman created long-standing challenges these communities have carried for generations.”
Honourable Buckley Belanger Secretary of State for Rural Development said,
“For too long, James Smith Cree Nation carried the cost of broken promises while others benefited from their lands. This settlement agreement opens the door to healing and renewal, giving communities a fair shot at building the future they’ve always deserved.”
The James Smith Cree Nation No. 370 is made up of three First Nations: Chakastaypasin, James Smith, and Peter Chapman.
