1907 Land Claim Update – November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025
Tanisi and Anin,
Now that the federal budget has been tabled, Chief and Council are providing an update on the 1907 Land Claim.
Waiting for the Budget to Pass
The federal budget was presented in Parliament on November 4, 2025. While this is an important step, the budget still needs to be approved by Parliament before anything can move forward.
The good news is that even though it wasn’t directly mentioned in the budget speech, we’ve been told that the budget includes a replenishment of the Specific Claims fund at CIRNAC (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada). This means funding may be available, but it cannot be accessed until the budget is officially approved and individual Specific Claims, including our 1907, are approved by Cabinet. We are still awaiting an official letter of offer from Canada, which will confirm when we can proceed to the ratification phase with the membership.
Cowessess is at the Top of the List
We continue to speak directly with ministers, senators, and senior officials to make sure they understand the importance of this claim to our people. Government officials and ministers have confirmed that Cowessess is at the top of the list once specific claims move forward. We are doing everything possible to keep Cowessess front and centre in these national discussions.
Next Steps
We are moving in a good direction, but Canada’s process and politics will decide the next steps. The federal government may have enough support to pass the budget without changes, allowing us to continue to move forward in the process without delay. However, if the budget does not pass, it could take longer or trigger an election, which would delay all claims.
Until the budget is approved, we cannot confirm any outcomes. However, we are confident that the 1907 Land Claim is exactly where it needs to be. We have strong backing, and our leadership is working through all political avenues to maintain pressure on decision-makers. Our focus remains on ensuring that when ministers review high-value claims, Cowessess is the one they approve.
We appreciate your ongoing patience as this work advances, and we remain committed to ensuring that this opportunity delivers lasting benefits for Cowessess First Nation now and for generations to come.
Hiy hiy and Chi-miigwetch,
Chief Erica Beaudin
