Federal Government and First Nations Celebrate $1.4 Billion ‘Cows and Plows’ Settlement
Representatives from Alberta First Nations and federal ministers came together on Friday to finalize a $1.4-billion settlement, addressing a debt dating back to the early days of Confederation.
The event, held at the River Cree Casino, acknowledged nearly a billion dollars in compensation for several Alberta First Nations who were long denied the agricultural resources promised in treaties 4, 5, 6, and 10. These treaties originally included provisions such as ploughs, seeds, cattle, and other livestock to aid Indigenous communities in transitioning to farming, but the Crown failed to fulfill these commitments.
For Chief Greg Desjarlais of Frog Lake First Nation, the settlement represents more than just agricultural tools—it signifies justice after years of neglect. “We’re here to work in a good way, to right the wrongs,” he said, while also expressing frustration over how long such agreements take to be settled. “We shouldn’t have to wait 20 years,” Desjarlais added, responding to those who suggest Indigenous people should simply “get over it.”
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree highlighted his extensive travels across the territories governed by these treaties, meeting with numerous First Nations communities such as Birch Narrows, Buffalo River Dene, Enoch Cree, and others, to acknowledge settlements regarding the long-outstanding agricultural benefits claims, known as “cows and plows” claims.
These settlements, using the Expedited Resolution Strategy, total $1.4 billion in compensation. Federal Jobs Minister Randy Boissonnault announced that Alberta First Nations such as Enoch Cree, Frog Lake, Kehewin, and Sturgeon Lake were among the beneficiaries. Since May 2023, Canada has provided over $1.9 billion in settlements to First Nations across the country.
“This settlement doesn’t undo the harm or displacement caused, nor does it restore food security or lost farming opportunities,” Anandasangaree noted, “but it is a crucial step forward in our path to reconciliation and rebuilding nation-to-nation relationships.”
Treaty 6, signed in 1876, and Treaty 10, established in 1906, laid out agreements between the Crown and various Indigenous nations. However, the promises for agricultural support were never fully delivered. Chief Trevor John of Kehewin First Nation emphasized the need to reaffirm treaty rights and the ongoing work required to ensure the Canadian government continues to be held accountable.
Cody Thomas, Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six and chief of Enoch Cree Nation, invited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to visit his traditional territory, signaling a call for more dialogue and amendments with Indigenous peoples. Thomas stressed the importance of honoring treaties, saying, “I’ve never seen a bill of sale for our lands.”
As the meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts, the First Nations leaders expressed their commitment to using the settlement funds to strengthen their communities, while also recognizing that much work remains in their fight for justice and recognition.
