The Sakimay First Nation is set to vote on a proposed multi-million-dollar settlement from the government.
The money is for flooding that occurred on the band’s traditional land back in the 1940’s.
Chief Lynn Acoose explains the flooding occurred after dams were built along the Qu’Appelle Valley to help farmers irrigate their fields.
Acoose says the move ruined the band’s hay fields and other traditional lands.
On January 30th, the band will hold a referendum on the offer.
Acoose is confident the membership will accept the compensation from the government.
She stresses the money will be put to good use:
“It’s not as much as I think we should have been compensated, but we’ll be investing that money in a trust so future generations can also benefit from the compensation.”
The referendum will be run mainly through mail-in ballots following guidelines under the Indian Act.