The Lac La Ronge Indian Band released an update to their “Cows and Plows” Treaty 6 Agricultural Benefit Claim.
In the announcement, the LLRIB said that Canada has now agreed to enter into accelerated negotiations with the band to address the entire claim.
It was noted that the Agricultural Benefits Committee, along with legal counsel, has been actively preparing for in-person negotiations.
As of now there is no scheduled date for when the claim will be settled. Currently, no Treaty 6 nation has received compensation for their “Cows and Plows” claims.
If the LLRIB and Canada agree on a compensation amount, a ratification vote will take place. This means that LLRIB members will be able to decide whether to accept the proposed compensation.
Prior to that vote, the LLRIB will host community information meetings to clarify the proposed settlement and answer any members’ questions.
The name “Cows and Plows” refers to a commitment under Treaty No. 6, negotiated with the Queen in 1876. Under this pledge, Canada was meant to help First Nations transition from a hunting-centric lifestyle to one more aligned with Euro-Canadian agriculture or livestock raising.