Settlement dollars paying for broken promises, missed opportunities, devastated lives

Opinion

This week, the federal government agreed to a $99-million settlement with Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, a First Nation approximately 60 kilometres northeast of Regina, for Canada’s failure to provide agricultural support and materials as promised under Treaty 4.

That seems like a lot of money, but it’s really not.

And, far more important, is the profit from the opportunity gained when justice is finally served.

Under Treaty 4, signed in 1874, 35 First Nations across what is now northwestern Manitoba, almost all of southern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta were promised farming tools including plows, seeds and animals to rebuild their lives after losing their traditional territories — and, indeed, their livelihoods — due to urbanization and settlement.

The federal government didn’t keep its promises, resulting in massive poverty, starvation and death as communities struggled to build economies, feed themselves and stave off sickness due to weakened immune systems.

Add in the fact First Nations had to endure laws such as the Indian Act, which forbade movement, provided substandard education and prevented economic growth, and you get — in many cases — the dire situations that exist now.

Farming is the financial and cultural bedrock of life in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and First Nations didn’t even get a chance to participate.

So, how much does it cost to compensate 151 years of suffering and lost opportunities?

Much more than $99 million.

Meanwhile, the other 34 First Nations in Treaty 4 are owed the same thing.

This week, alongside the agreement with Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, the federal government also announced settlements with two other Treaty 4 communities: Big River First Nation ($208 million) and One Arrow First Nation ($124 million).

The claims don’t end at Treaty 4.

Agricultural materials and opportunities were promised to virtually every First Nation from northwestern Ontario to B.C. to the Northwest Territories in what is often called the (11) “numbered” treaties, negotiated between 1871 and 1921.

Those promises weren’t kept, either.

In fact, more than 50 specific such “cows and plows” claims against the federal government have now been negotiated with First Nations.

The total so far is $6.9 billion.

There are another 100 or so additional cases under negotiation and about 150 legitimate claims yet to come.

In Manitoba, there are 24 in process, which leaves 39 more First Nations— including my home community of Peguis First Nation — with claims they can (and likely will) pursue.

Most Manitoba claims are currently in the “assessment” or “negotiation” stage, according to information provided by the Government of Canada.

Five Manitoba claims have been settled: Gambler First Nation, Pine Creek First Nation, Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve and Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, each in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Don’t get caught up in the numbers. It’s about new opportunities.

This is why many don’t like the term “cows and plows” when describing these agreements; treaty promises of agricultural materials and support wasn’t about providing First Nations with one-time payments, but opportunities to grow their economies, thrive and live like anyone else.

This is why some communities choose different paths when obtaining a settlement.

In some cases, First Nations governments provide their members a “per-capita” payment. Muscowpetung, for example, approved a $40,000 one-time payment for each member.

Ironically, it’s probably more a benefit passed on to Canadian businesses and citizens, as First Nations beneficiaries will spend their settlement dollars buying things for themselves and their families.

Most First Nations governments have set up trust funds to pay for community infrastructure projects and programs — a long-missed opportunity to build the lives of residents, provide employment and facilitate the growth of educational and cultural paths.

It’s easy to get caught up in the money when it comes to settling legitimate claims First Nations have with the Canadian government over failed promises.

What’s harder to see are the opportunities that should have been, and the ones now possible when justice is finally served.

niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca

Status report on specific claims