Canada and two First Nations under Treaties 4 and 6 advance reconciliation through agricultural benefits claim settlements
News release
August 25, 2026 — Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories, Saskatchewan — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, alongside the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, joined representatives from The Key First Nation and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation to mark the resolution of their agricultural benefits specific claims.
Together, the settlements provide more than $209.5 million in compensation through individual settlement payments, including $121,077,713 for Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and $88,440,000 for The Key First Nation. These claims relate to Canada's failure to provide some of the farming support promised under Treaties 4 and 6, such as ploughs, seeds, cows, bulls, and other supplies that were intended to help First Nations move into farming and other economic activities, especially as buffalo populations declined. Without this support, communities did not have the tools and resources they needed to develop their lands for agriculture and support their members. The settlements mark another step toward renewing Canada's relationship with First Nations and addressing historic Treaty obligations that were not fulfilled.
Resolving historic claims such as agricultural benefits claims helps address past harms and honour treaty promises, advancing reconciliation and supporting renewed relationships with First Nations. Guided by the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, Canada is implementing treaty obligations and taking responsibility through fair compensation when those obligations have not been met.
Quotes
"The Key First Nation is pleased to have concluded the settlement of our Treaty 4 Agricultural Benefits Claim with Canada. This settlement marks the beginning of a renewed Nation-to-Nation relationship and illustrates the spirit and intent of the Treaty that was signed. I want to acknowledge our kihci anihsinabe, membership, our past (elected and unelected) leaders, and our guiding spirit for their culminating efforts. This milestone marks an important moment in our Nation's history, and we look forward to continuing to advance economic reconciliation between our Nation and the Crown."
Chief Dustin Dayan Brass,
The Key First Nation
"As we commemorate 150 years of Treaty 6, we are reminded that the Treaty is a living relationship that continues to guide our Nations and shape our future. On behalf of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, I would like to thank the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, for their efforts toward the resolution of our Agricultural Benefits claim. This settlement is a testament to the resilience of our people and represents an important step toward reconciliation, as Canada acknowledges its failure to uphold its treaty commitments and the lasting impacts this has had on our Nation. For Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, this settlement marks a significant milestone and reinforces our responsibility to invest in our Nation, advance our priorities, and create opportunities for future generations. As we look ahead, we remain committed to honouring the spirit and intent of Treaty 6, strengthening our Nation, and ensuring that the rights, promises, and responsibilities enshrined in the Treaty continue to be recognized, respected, and upheld for generations to come."
Chief Kelly Wolfe,
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
"The resolution of these claims marks an important milestone in Canada's relationships with The Key First Nation, and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. These settlements recognise the agricultural benefits promised to these communities under Treaties 4 and 6 and acknowledge the lasting impacts of Canada's historic failure to fulfill those commitments. By resolving these claims, we are strengthening our relationships with First Nations, rebuilding trust, and advancing the important work of reconciliation."
The Honourable Rebecca Alty,
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
"These settlements—totalling more than $209.5 million—are an important step towards righting a historic wrong and honouring the commitments Canada made to five Saskatchewan First Nations under Treaty 4 and Treaty 6. By addressing the mistakes of the past, we can move forward together with First Nations as they invest in their people and build a more self-sufficient future."
The Honourable Buckley Belanger,
Secretary of State (Rural Development)
Quick facts
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Treaty 4, also known as the Qu'Appelle Treaty, was signed on September 15, 1874, between Queen Victoria and Indigenous Peoples. The Treaty covered a large area of the Canadian Prairies, including parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta.
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Treaty 6 is an agreement between the Crown and the Plains and Woods Cree, Assiniboine, and other band governments at Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt, representing most of the central area of the current provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Treaty 6 signings began on August 18, 1876, and ran until September 9, 1876.
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August 23, 2026 marks 150 year anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Alec Wilson
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
alec.wilson@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca
Chief Dustin Dayan Brass
The Key First Nation
chief.brass@keyband.ca
Bonnie Leask
Advisory and member of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
bonnie.leask@gmail.com
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