The Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation is attempting to clarify where its Agriculture Assistance claim stands.
In a statement to its website the First Nation says “we have not yet entered into negotiations regarding the settlement of this claim; and to be clear, our Specific Claim has not yet even been accepted by the Specific Claims Tribunal.”
The statement comes after a social media post suggesting a substantial claim has been negotiated, with further comments discussing how the money should be spent.
“Members of Council are very aware of recent online discussions regarding the ‘Cows and Ploughs Specific Claim’. We feel that these discussions have presented grossly inaccurate information and resulted in significant confusion amongst community members,” the First Nation statement says.
Beardy’s and Okemasis’ says its original Treaty 6 Agricultural Assistance filed in 2008 was not accepted for negotiations and that the First Nation directed its legal team to resubmit their claim in April.
A Member’s Assembly to discuss the claim will be taking place Wednesday.
(PHOTO: Beardy’s and Okemasis Chief and Council. MBC file photo.)