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 2-02326 SIKSIKA NATION AND CANADA REACH $82 MILLION SPECIFIC CLAIM AGREEMENTSIKSIKA NATION, ALBERTA (Sept. 10, 2003 - At a ceremony at the Siksika Nation today, Chief Adrian Stimson Sr. of the Siksika Nation and Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Honourable Robert D. Nault, announced the settlement of a historic claim dating back to 1910, when approximately 5,067.6 hectares (12,522.6 acres) of reserve lands were allegedly surrendered by the First Nation. The settlement for the surface rights of the lands provides Siksika Nation with approximately $82 million in compensation for the damages and losses suffered as a result of the surrender. This settlement amount is substantial because the former reserve lands have historically been productive agricultural lands in southern Alberta. "This settlement represents the culmination of many years of hard work and persistence by the leadership of Siksika, the Elders, the Siksika Claims Commission and our legal and technical team of advisors," said Chief Stimson. "We have closed another important chapter in our history by concluding a settlement of the Acreage Discrepancy (Surface) Claim. There was a high turnout of eligible voters and over 85 per cent voted for this settlement that is fair and lasting and will ensure economic certainty for future generations." "The Siksika Nation and Canada have successfully reached a final settlement that not only honours Canada's lawful obligation, but will also provide the Nation with enhanced opportunities for economic development now and in the future," said Minister Nault. "To manage the compensation, the Siksika Nation has established the Acreage Discrepancy Claim Trust Account which will ensure a stable economic foundation for future generations, while providing a better quality of life for members today. The settlement shows what can be achieved when Canada and First Nations work together to address the grievances of the past through good faith negotiations," said Minister Nault. Negotiations on the Acreage Discrepancy Surface Claim began in 2000 and were concluded earlier this year. The basis of the claim is that in 1910 Canada sought the surrender of approximately 46,621.4 hectares (115,200 acres) of land within the Siksika Indian Reserve to be sold by Canada to incoming settlers. However, the surrender included 5,067.6 hectares (12,522.6 acres) of reserve lands about which band members were not adequately informed. The entire amount of compensation will be placed in a trust to ensure that future generations of Siksika Nation members benefit from the settlement. The Siksika Nation is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Calgary and just a few kilometres south of the Trans Canada highway. A member of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Siksika was a signatory to Treaty 7 in 1877 and it has more than 5,500 registered members. For more information, contact:
Chief Adrian Stimson Sr.
Glenn Luff, Director
Joe Weasel Child
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| Last Updated: 2005-12-21 | 
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