Kahkewistahaw nation settles land claim

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It took almost 100 years, but members of Kahkewistahaw First Nation have finally been compensated for the land taken from them.

On June 25, Kahkewistahaw members celebrated settlement of their land claim, which will see the First Nation receive $94.6 million over five years in compensation for the damages and losses suffered due to an improper surrender of reserve lands in 1907.

The First Nation can use the money to purchase land on a willing-seller/willing-buyer basis, and can then apply to have up to 29,000 acres of the land purchased designated as reserve land.

"For nearly a century, the members of Kahkewistahaw First Nation have suffered the consequences of not having this land for our use and benefit," Kahkewistahaw Chief Louis Taypotat said. "We are very pleased this claim is finally settled. Throughout this entire process we have always been mindful of how our decisions will affect our children and our children's children. We can now look forward to a promising new future for all."