The first-ever compensation hearing from a special claims tribunal is currently taking place at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
The hearing stems from a recent tribunal decision that says the Government of Canada wronged Beardys and Okemasis First Nation when they withheld treaty funding for a three-year period following the Riel Resistance of 1885.
Both sides of the argument are now arguing the overall harm this lack of funding would have caused the First Nation as well as how this funding would be seen in today’s value.
The total amount of funding withheld during the three year period at the end of the 19th century was $4,250.
Neither side has been willing to give an exact dollar figure for what they feel is appropriate compensation, but they do hope their evidence will inform the judge’s decision.
The judge himself says the hearing has been a complicated process because no other precedent has been set.
The hearing began on Monday and more arguments are expected to be put forward on Wednesday before the hearing is scheduled to wrap up.
No word at this time if a decision on compensation will be made at the conclusion of the hearing.