Siksika Nation members have voted in favour of a billion-dollar settlement regarding a 1910 lands referendum. 

Siksika Nation Chief Ouray Crowfoot said, “This settlement is not reconciliation. 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.” 

The agreement will include a one-time payment of 1.3 Billion dollars and will discontinue all filed court actions relating to the settlement. The decision to accept the settlement will also include the option to apply for up 115,000 acres of land purchased by the Nation that can be added to the reserve anywhere in Alberta. 

During polls held on December 16 and December 17 about 70 per cent of voters attended polls in Calgary and at Siksika Nation. Approximately 77 per cent voted yes.

This summary was posted on the Siksika Nation website:

SUMMARY OF CLAIMS:

The Global Settlement Agreement includes the following claims; 

  • 1910 Surrender and 1960 Petition of Right Claims: Unlawful surrender of 115,000 acres of reserve land and breach of Canada’s fiduciary duties related to the reserve lands. 
  • CPR: Breaches of duty in taking reserve land for use by third parties in connection with the Canadian Pacific Railway.
  • CLUNY: Flooding of and release of sewage onto the reserve without Siksika’s permission.
  • BRID AND CREOSOTE: Unlawful taking of approximately 500 acres of the reserve for the Bow River Irrigation Project. Related creosote contamination claims.
  •  

SETTLEMENT OVERVIEW: 

  • The proposed settlement is a global settlement that will cover all the claims identified above. 
  • A one-time payment of 1,300, 000, 000 (one billion and three hundred million dollars) will be made to the Nation in 2022. 
  • In exchange for the compensation, Siksika will discontinue all filed court actions related to the claims and release Canada from all liability related to the claims. 
  • The settlement ratification will include a new surrender of the lands subject to the 1910 surrender to provide certainty. 
  • Siksika is entitled to apply for up to 115,000 acres of land purchased by Siksika to be added to the reserve. 
  • The use of the settlement funds is not addressed in the proposed settlement agreement with Canada and will be determined solely by Siksika Nation. 

 

The First Nation will be holding a news conference today at 11 a.m. to address the agreement.

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