CANADA CELEBRATES SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH MUSKODAY FIRST NATION AND PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Released on January 10, 2008

Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today participated in a ceremony celebrating the signing of a Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Settlement Agreement with Chief Austin Bear of the Muskoday First Nation, and Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude.

"This land claim settlement shows how tangible and measurable results are possible when we work together and negotiate," said Strahl. "This settlement will bring economic benefits to the Muskoday First Nation and the local communities, as well as provide certainty for government, industry and all Canadians."

Following three years of tripartite negotiations and a successful First Nation ratification vote, the agreement provides Muskoday First Nation with a settlement of approximately $10.2 million for an outstanding TLE shortfall as well as $542,828 for negotiation, ratification and acquisition costs. In addition, the First Nation is entitled to purchase up to 38,014 acres (15,384 hectares) of land, on a willing seller/willing buyer basis, anywhere in Saskatchewan. These lands may then be converted to reserve status.

"This is a historic time in our history with Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan where the three levels of government have successfully negotiated and ratified this long outstanding Muskoday First Nation Treaty Land Entitlement Settlement Agreement," Chief Bear said. "Canada has now met her legal obligations with respect to Treaty 6 land provisions owed to the people of the Muskoday First Nation. With the additional treaty land and compensation we have the opportunity to further create economic development opportunities now and in the future."

TLE claims are intended to settle the land shortfall owed to those First Nations, such as the Muskoday First Nation, which did not receive the amount of land to which they were entitled under the historical treaties. Canada, Saskatchewan and the Muskoday First Nation agreed that the terms of the 1992 Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Framework Agreement would form the basis for the settlement of the claim.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to honouring the Treaties and we are pleased to help fulfill this Treaty promise made to the people of Muskoday First Nation more than one hundred years ago," Draude said. "This settlement throws open doors to economic and social development opportunities which will strengthen Muskoday First Nation and in turn, the rest of Saskatchewan."

The membership of the Muskoday First Nation ratified the agreement on May 23, 2007. Sixty-two per cent of all eligible voters voted to accept the settlement. The Muskoday First Nation is located approximately 19 kilometres southeast of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and has over 1500 registered members.

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For more information, contact:

Ted Yeomans
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Phone: 306-798-4071
Email: 819-997-0002

Elaine Smith
Muskoday First Nation
Phone: 306-764-1282

INAC Media Relations Line
Phone: 819-953-1160

Shelley Fayant
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-798-4071
Email: sfayant@fnmr.gov.sk.ca