Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, Treaty 4 Territory, Saskatchewan - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Today, Melissa Tavita, Chief of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced the settlement agreement regarding the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation 1909 Surrender Specific Claim.
This claim concerns Canada's breach of statutory and fiduciary duties relating to the surrender of 18,352.8 acres of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation's reserve lands in 1909. The settlement agreement provides total compensation of $150 million and includes an addition to reserve option of up to 18,352.8 acres.
Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation made history by accepting the Muscowpetung Saulteaux First Nation 1909 Surrender IR Claim Settlement Agreement, with 99.8% approval. The Chief and Council are proud of the voter turnout for this ratification vote, with 64% of eligible voters showing up.
Honouring Canada's moral and legal obligations and properly compensating Indigenous Peoples for what was unlawfully withheld from them is fundamental to advancing reconciliation in Canada and rebuilding trust with Indigenous communities. The successful resolution of specific claims is a key step in Canada's ongoing reconciliation with First Nations - one that acknowledges and addresses the wrongs of the past and helps to build a better future for everyone in Canada.
