Long-standing land claims settled for First Nations

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It took almost a century, but Thunderchild and Moosomin First Nations have finally been compensated for lands guaranteed them by treaty but taken away by the Canadian government.

In a signing ceremony held Oct. 2 at Sakewew high school in North Battleford, the two First Nations saw the fruits of several years of negotiations-land claim settlements worth $53 million for Thunderchild, and $41 million for Moosomin.

The Thunderchild land claim dated back to 1908, when reserve lands near Delmas were taken from the First Nation and the people living on the land were relocated to a smaller reserve. The Moosomin claim dated back to 1909, when the First Nation was removed from its original reserve near Battleford to a new reserve 36 kilometres north of North Battleford. In both cases, the lands taken away from the First Nations were ideal for farming, while the lands given them in return were not.

Federal minister of Indian Affairs Robert Nault was on hand in North Battleford to help formally announce the settlements and addressed those gathered to celebrate, including students from Sakewew high school.

"The settlement of longstanding land claims not only resolves past wrongs, but they put Thunderchild and Moosomin in a better position to create more opportunities for young people like yourselves," Nault said to the crowd. He also spoke about some of the plans the First Nations have for the money coming from the settlements and how those plans will make for stronger communities and more opportunities for youth.

"Moosomin First Nation is already committing some of the claims money to on-reserve housing. Thunderchild First Nation is contemplating the purchase of several parcels of land and exploring opportunities in the oil and gas sector. We haven't even signed the agreement and both chiefs and councils have already got long-term visions and plans of how to develop the economy based on our relationship. Both First Nations have already chosen to fund a multimillion dollar education trust so that more Thunderchild and Moosomin students can pursue post-secondary education."

Thunderchild Chief Winston Weekusk said the day was an historic one for the people of Thunderchild and also congratulated the chief and members of Moosomin First Nation for their successful settlement.

"I must thank our Creator for bringing us together today to witness this very historical event. It shows what can do when we can sit down, negotiate and settle our differences. We have been at odds many times with government.

"I must acknowledge the Elders and the former residents of our former reserve, Delmas, a few miles from here. It is a victory that is bittersweet to us, the history behind all this and the culmination of all the negotiations.

"A great deal of research had to be done along with the oral history of our people and reserve. The people of Thunderchild 115A, it is to their memories that we must do a ceremony and also to acknowledge former chiefs Andrew Paddy and Gordon Thunderchild, band council members, our negotiators Dan Maddagan, Cilas Halyk and specific claims co-ordinator Cameron Jack," Weekusk said.

Moosomin Chief Kaypeaysewat also thanked chief negotiators Maddagan and Halyk, who he said "were responsible for turning things around to the point where Moosomin stopped bargaining and actually started negotiating."

"It took 94 years and we are here today because of our former chiefs and our people telling Moosomin that we needed to settle this outstanding claim," Kaypeaysewat said.

"I am proud to say that I worked with the former chiefs who helped me with these talks with the federal government and to achieve our vision. We are here now and it is time to move on."