February 21, 2025 — Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Cumberland House Cree Nation
Honouring Canada’s legal obligations to First Nations and working collaboratively to renew the relationship is key to advancing reconciliation with First Nations.
Today, Chief Rene Chaboyer and the
Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced that Cumberland House Cree Nation and the Government of Canada have reached a settlement agreement for the Cumberland House Cree Nation – IR100A Specific Claim.The claim dates back to 1876, when land was first set aside for Cumberland House Cree Nation in Treaty 5 territory. The Nation argued the land was of poor agricultural quality and petitioned Canada for a new reserve. Canada set aside IR100A immediately south and east of James Smith Cree Nation. In 1902, Canada sold the southern half of IR100A and transferred the remainder of the land and its people to James Smith Cree Nation. Cumberland House Cree Nation was not properly consulted on any of these changes and was not compensated for the loss of the land.
The negotiated settlement includes approximately $570 million in financial compensation to Cumberland House Cree Nation for past wrongs. The settlement will also support Cumberland House Cree Nation in adding approximately 27,000 acres to reserve under the Additions to Reserve Policy.
The successful resolution of specific claims is a key step in Canada’s ongoing journey of reconciliation with First Nations–one that acknowledges and addresses the wrongs of the past and helps to build a better future for all Canadians.
Quotes
“After almost twelve years of negotiations on a land claim we filed almost forty years ago, Cumberland House Cree Nation is relieved to have reached a very fair deal with Canada. By investing this money now, we will ensure better lives not just for our Members today, but also for their grandchildren’s grandchildren.”
Chief Rene Chaboyer
Cumberland House Cree Nation
"This is a decisive step forward in our joint work to renew our Treaty relationship with Cumberland House Cree Nation. Canada must address past wrongs, and work in partnership with First Nations to rebuild our Nation-to-Nation relationship. I would like to thank Chief Chaboyer and councillors for their leadership and enduring commitment to achieving this just and long overdue resolution.”
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Quick facts
On February 15, 2024, Canada executed an Advance Payment Agreement with the First Nation, after which $50 million was transferred to Cumberland House Cree Nation as an advance payment to be applied against the future resolution of the claim.
Cumberland House Cree Nation is located on an island next to the Village of Cumberland House approximately 240 kilometres east of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
From April 1, 2020 to January 31, 2025, 200 claims have been resolved for close to $11.4 billion in compensation.
Of these, 197 were settled through negotiation for $11.2 billion in compensation, and three were resolved at the Tribunal for over $146 million in compensation.
Of the 197 claims settled through negotiations, 130 claims settled for less than $50 million; 55 settled for between $50 million and $150 million; and twelve claims settled for more than $150 million.
From April 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025, 40 claims were settled for over $3.3 billion in compensation; 92 claims were filed with the Minister; and Canada made an offer to negotiate on 46 claims.
As of January 31, 2025, there were 760 claims in the Specific Claims inventory.
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