Cote Nation members receive payment

In mid-June, members of the Cote First Nation started receiving cheques as part of a land claim settlement with the federal government. Members are eligible for a lump sum payment of $20,000 or an annual payment of $1,500 for 16 years while Elders are eligible to receive a lump sum of $25,000 or have the amount distributed over several years. The majority of the approximately 3,500 band members live off reserve and have to travel in to collect their cheques as Chief and council decided against mailing cheques. It is yet to be decided what will be done for people who are unable to pick up their payments. The nearby Kamsack RCMP have been working closely with the band for the past few months in anticipation of this payout. “They’ve kind of given us their blessing to take whatever steps we need to do to address any crime issues that might pop up,” Staff Sgt. Greg Nichol told  NewsTalk 980. The total land claim settlement is valued at $130 million in exchange for land that was promised to members over 100 years ago.