An update from Chief and Council to all Cowessess First Nation Members regarding the Agricultural Benefits Claim
May 27, 2026
Update to Cowessess First Nation Members on Agricultural Benefits Specific Claim
Tânisi / Aneen Cowessess Members/Citizens,
On behalf of our Council, we are pleased to inform the membership that we have received confirmation from the Government of Canada that we are able to move forward on our Agricultural Benefits negotiation process. Furthermore, there will be safeguards in place where our 1907 land surrender claim will continue to be our priority claim. If there is any potential loss of 1907 due to the Agricultural Benefits negotiations, the priority will continue to be the 1907 land claim.
Cowessess First Nation has now officially been placed in the queue within the federal Specific Claims process related to Agricultural Benefits. This marks an important administrative step in the process and confirms that Cowessess First Nation is advancing within the federal review and negotiation framework.
At this stage, the file remains within the federal process, and timelines are determined through the Specific Claims system. Being placed in queue means the Nation is awaiting the next stage of review and engagement from Canada.
Chief and Council remain committed to:
· Protecting the interests of Cowessess First Nation;
· Ensuring members are informed throughout the process;
· Pursuing accountability, fairness, and transparency; and
· Continuing to advocate for the Nation and future generations.
Our 1907 land surrender claim is still sitting with the federal government, and we continue to lobby for its completion. As additional information becomes available for both specific claims, updates will continue to be shared with membership.
We thank members for their continued patience and support as this important work moves forward.
Respectfully,
Chief and Council
Cowessess First Nation
