Daily Herald Staff
The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) has approved a historic settlement agreement with the federal government, securing $601.5 million for its community.
This agreement addresses the long standing “cows-and-plows” clause of Treaty 6, resolving unfulfilled promises made by Canada to provide agricultural support to the band.
“This is a momentous day for Lac La Ronge Indian Band. The membership’s overwhelming support for the settlement demonstrates their commitment to securing a better future for our community,” Chief Tammy Cook-Searson said in a press release.
The offer to settle the Treaty 6 Agricultural Benefits Claim, one of the largest of its kind in Canadian history, was approved following extensive community consultations.
Over the past several months, LLRIB leadership held numerous meetings, information sessions, and discussions to ensure that all members had the opportunity to learn about the settlement, ask questions, and voice their opinions.
There was overwhelming support for the agreement, with 95 percent of voters, or 4,835 adult band members, voted in favor, while 181 voted against and 52 ballots were spoiled.
“We are pleased that Canada has finally recognized and acknowledged its failure to fulfill the obligations under Treaty 6, and this settlement is a critical step towards rectifying that historical wrong,” said Cook-Searson.
A community vote was held from Aug. 19 – 22, followed by in-person voting on August 23, with a record turnout of 5,068 ballots cast out of 8,462 eligible voters, resulting in a 60 per cent voter turnout,the highest voter turnout in its history.
“This settlement is the result of careful consideration and input from our community members. We wanted to ensure that everyone’s voice was heard and that the decision we made together reflects the collective will and best interests of the band membership.
This agreement represents a significant step toward justice and reconciliation for the members of our First Nation,” said Cook-Searson.
Following the community’s approval, LLRIB’s leadership will proceed with finalizing the settlement agreement with the federal government. The process is expected to take up to seven months to complete.
