HISTORIC SETTLEMENT REACHED: THUNDERCHILD FIRST NATION RECEIVES £121 MILLION IN COMPENSATION FOR UNPAID TREATY 6 BENEFITS
A ground-breaking agreement has been reached between the Thunderchild First Nation and the Government of Canada, providing a long-overdue financial settlement for unfulfilled treaty promises made 150 years ago. The Ministry of Crown-Indigenous Relations announced the historic breakthrough on Thursday.
As part of this milestone agreement, the Government of Canada will pay an astonishing £155.4 million to the Thunderchild First Nation in compensation for failing to provide agricultural items promised under Treaty 6, including so-called "cows and plows" provisions – a key aspect of the treaty signed in 1879.
The settlement marks a significant step forward in the country's reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples. Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree stated that resolving specific claims is a crucial part of Canada's broader commitment to healing historical wounds and building lasting relationships with First Nations.
"Today's agreement demonstrates our government's continued dedication to nation-to-nation negotiations, reconciliation, and the delivery of benefits as promised under treaties," Minister Anandasangaree said. "We acknowledge that our past actions have fallen short, but we work tirelessly to correct these shortcomings."
This settlement comes after 144 years of unfulfilled promises from Canada, which included essential agricultural tools such as ploughs, seeds, livestock, and farming necessities. These provisions were meant to facilitate the transition to an agricultural economy for the Thunderchild First Nation, enabling them to support their members.
The band's initial leader, Chief Big Bear – also known as Kapitikow or Peyasiw-Awasis – tried to negotiate better terms when he signed Treaty 6 in 1879. However, he was ultimately pressured into selling his reserve land in 1908, with the tribe relocating to a new reserve near Brightsand Lake.
The Thunderchild First Nation subsequently launched litigation against the Canadian government in 1991, alleging the land was wrongfully surrendered. The band reached a settlement with the Crown in 2003 but continued seeking justice and compensation for the past injustices they endured.
According to Ministry of Crown-Indigenous Relations figures, Canada has resolved over 720 specific claims since 1973 through partnerships with First Nations. This historic agreement is part of an expedited resolution strategy aimed at providing £2 billion in financial support to Indigenous communities in western provinces since May 2023.
"We are committed to building genuine relationships and ensuring that our Indigenous peoples receive the benefits and recognition they deserve," Minister Anandasangaree emphasized.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for Canada's reconciliation journey, but many more challenges remain to be addressed. The Thunderchild First Nation and their fellow Indigenous communities continue to seek justice, recognition, and economic opportunities that are essential to the recovery of their people.