Federal Minister Gary Anandasangaree gets wrapped in a Star Blanket. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

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A failed promise 150 years ago by the federal government to provide First Nation people with agricultural tools and equipment now represents a settlement in the area of $13 billion.

The Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations is making several stops across the province this week, including one on Tuesday at Sturgeon Lake First Nation. Gary Anandasangaree told paNOW the impact from colonialism has been felt across the country.

“It doesn’t matter where they’re at, the harm is still very similar and the path that we’re on towards reconciliation, it’s going to be incremental. It’s gonna be step by step,” he said.

Within the next two months, Sturgeon Lake First Nation is set to receive over $152 million. During his stop in the community, the minister was given a tour of the local school and spoke to the Grade 12 native studies class.

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“The work we do is about the next generation. While we are correcting and trying to heal from the past wrongs, it is ultimately about the next generation,” Anandasangaree said. “I know they are in a much better position and they are supported by a very strong community here.”

The ratification vote for Sturgeon Lake took place last July and was signed on Sept. 28. Chief Christine Longjohn said it still meant a lot to have the minister physically come to the community.

“It feels that we are acknowledged as Sturgeon Lake members,” she said. “It’s not very often we have ministers come out to our community so today is a very special day,” she said.

Chief Christine Longjohn told the large crowd in attendance “today is an emotional day.” (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The band’s 3,100 members will share in the settlement and those who were registered at the time of the ratification vote, are set to receive $30,000 each. Longjohn added money will also be set aside for a community investment fund which can go towards big projects such as housing or even a new school.

“There’s all kinds of needs with our nation so now we will be able to push a lot of those projects through and put our own input in there,” Chief Longjohn said.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron, Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte and Flying Dust First Nation Chief Tyson Bear, whose community is set to receive $118 million.

“Who’s to say where our people would be today if we would have this opportunity back in the day to flourish,” he said, noting the rich farmland his community occupies.

Other stops for the Minister this week include Cumberland House and Lac La Ronge, which is set to receive an historic $601.5 million.

Leadership and Elders gather for a group photo. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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