UPDATE ON COWESSESS’ SPECIFIC LAND CLAIMS – 022725
Office of the Chief
February 27, 2025
UPDATE ON COWESSESS’ SPECIFIC LAND CLAIMS
Tanisi and Anin Sikwa!
As Chief and Council, we are aware of the concerns our citizens have about our Specific Claims such as the Agricultural Benefits or “Cows and Ploughs” settlement. There are significant and impactful events happening federally that are currently delaying this process and we as a Council must protect the rights of our people while ensuring we are justly compensated.
The Government has been prorogued (paused) until March 24, 2025. Until then, Ministers and the bureaucrats are prioritizing what they can accomplish until an election is called and a new government is formed. However, three very important factors for Cowessess First Nation exist:
- The 1907 Surrender Claim settlement is Cowessess’ priority claim. This claim is based on a high-value formula and there is a possibility that accepting a settlement for Cows and Ploughs without proper legal guarantees could reduce the financial compensation of the 1907 claim.
- The solution is obtaining legal confirmation from the government that one settlement will not impact the other in terms of financial and land payments.
- Efforts are ongoing to secure this assurance before moving forward with the Cows and Ploughs claim.
While there is misinformation, and uncertainties circulating, I am pleased to provide clarification on the facts:
- Cowessess received a letter from Canada confirming eligibility for an expedited settlement process available to all Numbered Treaty bands for the Agricultural Benefits (Cows and Ploughs).
- Minister Anandasangaree has committed to keeping Cowessess as a priority during his remaining three months in office and longer if he remains Minister of Indigenous Services Canada.
- Despite the uncertainty of an impending election, an election will not cancel the claims process—it may, however, cause delays.
- Minister Anandasangaree and Chief Beaudin have continuously engaged in extensive discussions on Cowessess claims despite Trudeau’s recent resignation, demonstrating a commitment to the issue.
- Cowessess has not delayed any part of the claims process—external political shifts such as the prorogue of government and the upcoming election have caused the delays.
As of today’s date, there has not been any updates between Cowessess and the Federal Government on any movement of either of our claims, other than to confirm the 1907 Land Surrender is included in the next budget cycle and the Cows and Ploughs negotiations can begin when Cowessess is prepared to advance talks.
Be rest assured as your Chief, I am continuously advocating on all our behalf to not only ensure our high value 1907 Surrender Claim remains a priority, but also our Cows & Ploughs claim moves forward without adversely affecting our high value claim.
On behalf of Council, I extend our appreciation for your patience and support. We will continue to update as any further developments occur.
Hiy hiy and Chi-Miigwetch,
Chief Erica
