Canoe Lake Makes Case For New Treaty Benefits

Canoe Lake Makes Case For New Treaty Benefits

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 16:27

 

 

The chief of the Canoe Lake Cree Nation is hoping Ottawa will finally recognize certain commitments laid out in a 102-year-old treaty.

 

Chief Guy Lariviere says his band has filed a claim for agricultural benefits based on wording contained in the historical document.

 

Lariviere says the band’s original leader, John Iron, included references to agricultural stock and farm implements in the First Nation’s treaty with the Crown.

 

He says band lawyers contacted Ottawa about this matter and apparently received word their claim will likely be ratified.

 

Lariviere also believes a settlement could be worth as much as $80 million.

 

He says band members know other First Nations have won specific claims on arguments similar to theirs, so they’re feeling confident.

 

According to the chief, the band could conceivably buy land to raise cattle or explore other options to make farming work.

 

Lariviere says agriculture has always been practiced by the band, in one form or another.