Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation announced they have secured a $630 million settlement with Canada over their Agricultural Benefits Claim.
PBCN posted a media release Friday afternoon that band leadership and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree signed off on the settlement on March 5.
In the media release PBCN Chief Peter Beatty said the moment represents more than financial compensation.
“This settlement is about more than just compensation – it’s about Canada honouring its treaty commitments,” said Beatty. “For generations, our people were promised agricultural benefits that were never delivered. Now, with this agreement in place, we can invest in our communities, create economic opportunities, and build a stronger future for the next generations.”
Before the settlement was finalized, PBCN members approved the settlement through a ratification vote this past January.
According to PBCN, the agreement is structured to ensure the funds are protected and used wisely.
PBCN says these protections include financial compensation to adress the past injustices, a settlement trust to safeguard the funds for future generations, and a finance code to ensure transparency and responsible financial management.
PBCN leaders now say the will move forward to ensure the funds are used to strengthen the Nation’s future.
“This isn’t just about the past – it’s about what we do next,” said Chief Beatty.
(TOP PHOTO – PBCN leaders sign the Agricultural Benefits Agreement. Photo courtesy the PBCN Facebook page)