The members of Sturgeon Lake First Nation (SLFN) approved a historic $152 million settlement agreement with the federal government. A community vote was held from July 22nd to 26th on an Agricultural Benefits Settlement Agreement also known as the “cows-and-plows” clause of Treaty 6.

This initiative arose following the discovery that Canada had failed to fulfill its obligations under Treaty 6, which was signed in 1876. Specifically, Canada had not delivered the promised agricultural tools, seeds, and livestock that were crucial for the community’s economic development and self-sufficiency. In 2019, Sturgeon Lake First Nation formally filed a claim to seek redress for the unfulfilled treaty commitments.

Chief Christine Longjohn of Sturgeon Lake First Nation says, “The filing of this claim marks a significant step towards justice and reconciliation. It is not just about rectifying the past, but about building a stronger future for our community.”

The community vote saw a turnout with 51 per cent of eligible members participating. The majority required to pass the vote was 554 (50 per cent-plus-one of participating voters). With 88 per cent of voters supporting the agreements. The community has approximately 3,100 members.  Sturgeon Lake First Nation is located about 50 kilometres northwest of Prince Albert.