James Smith Cree Nation has reached a settlement with the federal government over long-standing land grievances and other historic wrongs.
Canada has agreed to pay the three First Nations under the James Smith $713.8 million in the settlement.
James Smith Cree Nation is made up of three different First Nations. These include Chakastaypasin, Peter Chapman, and James Smith.
The wrongs covered in the compensation include invalid surrender and sale of Chakastaypasin First Nation, the invalid surrender of Peter Chapman First Nation, along with a Treaty land entitlement shortfall for James Smith.
A portion of the compensation is also said to acknowledge the impacts of the wrongful amalgamation of the Three First Nations in 1902.
“Today marks an historic step forward for our people,” said James Smith Cree Nation Chief Kirby Constant. “For generations, the James Smith Cree Nation has carried the weight of unfulfilled promises, broken agreements, and the lasting impacts of forced amalgamation. This settlement is not the end of our journey, but it is an important recognition of those wrongs and a foundation for renewal.”
“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,” said Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty. “Today’s settlement is about taking responsibility for those impacts and setting things right.”
The federal government says by providing fair compensation on matters like this is part of the government’s efforts to advance reconciliation and strengthen relationships with First Nations.