By David Opinko

"THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR SIKSIKA"

Siksika Nation members accept $1.3B settlement after land unlawfully surrendered

Dec 20, 2021 | 1:30 PM

SIKSIKA NATION, AB – It is a big day for members of a Southern Alberta First Nation, who have taken a significant step in a dispute with the federal government that has been a long time coming.

Last Thursday and Friday, approximately 70 per cent of Siksika Nation members voted on whether or not to accept the Siksika Nation Global Settlement Agreement. Of those who cast ballots, 77 per cent said yes.

Ottawa will have to pay $1.3-billion to the Indigenous community and Siksika can apply for up to 115,000 acres of land anywhere in Alberta purchased by the First Nation to be added to the reserve.

In 1910, the federal government unlawfully claimed 115,000 acres of Siksika’s most productive agricultural lands and minerals contrary to the requirements of the Indian Act and Canada’s fiduciary duties to the Siksika Nation.

There were also breaches of duty by CP Rail taking reserve lands, flooding of and release of sewage onto the reserve without Siksika’s permission, and the unlawful taking of 500 acres of reserve land for the Bow River Irrigation Project.

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“This settlement is not reconciliation,” says Siksika Chief Ouray Crowfoot. “We will never be restored to the same as before these breaches took place. We lost almost half of our landbase and access to ceremonial sites and our connection to the land.”

“One thing the settlement can provide is opportunities. Financial opportunities that can open many doors for our people and be a move towards financial sovereignty. Opportunities that can help remove barriers, build capacity and provide services to help better the standard of life for all our People,” adds Crowfoot.

This claim has been in the system for over 60 years now.

The First Nation is working on setting up consultation sessions with members to discuss how exactly the money will be used.

“The future is bright for Siksika.”