The Sturgeon Lake First Nation(SLFN) members have voted to approve the Agricultural Benefits Settlement Agreement with the Federal Government, securing approximately $152 million for the community.
The community held a vote held from July 22 to July 26, 2024. They had a turnout with 51% of eligible members participating. The majority required to pass the vote was 554, which is 50% plus one participating voters. The result was 88% of voters supporting the agreements.
” Thank you to all the members of Sturgeon Lake First Nation for your participation and support in this important decision. Your overwhelming approval of the Agricultural Benefits Settlement demonstrates our united commitment to addressing historical grievances and securing a brighter future for our community and generations to come,” said Chief Christine Longjohn of Sturgeon Lake First Nation
The approval of the Settlement Agreement, Trust Agreement, and Finance Code enables the SLFN’s leadership to proceed with signing all necessary documents and implementing these agreements.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone for our community,” explained Chief Christine Longjohn. ” It will greatly benefit everyone in our community, living both on or off reserve, promising positive changes for all.”
The SLFN community has approximately 3,100 members who will benefit from this agreement.
The SLFN’s Chief and Council will proceed with the formal signing of the settlement agreement. The signed agreement will be then forwarded to the Minister of Crown Relations to sign on behalf of Canada for signing. The process is expected to take about six months for the transferring of the settlement funds to the community.
Photo: SLFN Chief and Council. Back Row: Councillor Solomon Sanderson, Councillor Bernard Moosehunter, Councillor Velmer Ermine, Councillor Fred Felix and Councillor Mark Daniels. Front Row: Councillor Anita Parenteau, and Chief Christine Longjohn. Submitted by Tina Pelletier