Left to Right: Norman McKenzie, Elder Bella McKenzie, Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, and Councillor Gerald McKenzie at the community hall in Grandmother’s Bay during the voting for the Treaty 6 Agricultural Benefits Claim. Photo provided by LLRIB.

A $601.5 million agricultural benefits settlement agreement has been approved between the federal government and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

The agreement addresses the long-standing ‘cows-and-plows’ clause of Treaty 6, aiming to resolve the unfulfilled promises made by Canada to provide agricultural support to the band.

Extensive community consultations took place before the decision was made to approve the offer.

A community vote was held from August 19th to the 22nd, with in-person voting taking place on August 23.

There was a record turnout of 5,068 ballots cast out of 8,462 eligible voters, meaning a 60 per cent voter turnout, the highest in the community’s history.

Ninety-five per cent of voters were in favour of the agreement, while 181 people voted against. Fifty-two ballots
were spoiled.