CBC: Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan – have concluded tripartite negotiations and reached a settlement agreement for the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation Treaty Land Entitlement Claim.

Ahtahkakoop adhered to Treaty 6 in 1876, which promised one square mile per family of five, or 128 acres per person. In 1878, a federal Order in Council set apart 42,988.8 acres of land as reserve for the First Nation, enough for 336 people. Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation asserts that the total eligible membership was 368 individuals, resulting with a Treaty land entitlement shortfall of 4,115.2 acres.

Under this historic settlement, the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation will receive compensation of $43.3 million. Of that amount, Canada will provide $30.7 million and the Government of Saskatchewan will provide the remaining $12.6 million. As part of this agreement, the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation has the option to acquire up to 40,659.97 acres to add to their reserve lands. Canada and Saskatchewan will also set aside $6.7 million as compensation to rural municipalities and school divisions once taxable land is set apart as reserve.

“Thinking of our future generations, this settlement will provide for hunting and trapping lands, cultural and ceremonial lands, as well as additional lands for our members to benefit from. In the not too distant future, this settlement will also provide for our members, economic development opportunities and create much needed employment on Ahtahkakoop owned commercial and urban lands”. Chief Larry Ahenakew. Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.