07/31/2025
ATTENTION: Minister Rebecca Alty visits Muscowpetung for official announcement of Agricultural Benefits settlement
Today, Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation welcomed the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, to our Nation for the official announcement of our Agricultural Benefits Specific Claim settlement with the Government of Canada.
This historic settlement marks an important step forward, as Canada formally acknowledges its failure to uphold agricultural promises under Treaty.
“This settlement comes not just as a financial resolution, but as a meaningful acknowledgment of broken promises. While farming tools may no longer carry the same value they once would have for our people, this compensation allows us to invest in the tools of today—housing, infrastructure, water, youth, and our Nation’s long-term financial sovereignty.
We thank the Government of Canada for finally acknowledging this longstanding injustice. We also give thanks to our ancestors and to the people of Muscowpetung who stood strong over the generations. On this 150th year of Treaty 4, we honour Chief Cheekuk’s vision by investing in a future that uplifts every member of our Nation.”
– Chief Melissa Tavita
Chief Tavita also had the honour of showing Minister Alty a few of our Nation’s new infrastructure developments, including our new maintenance building and our powwow arbour - projects rooted in pride, purpose, and the healing and wellbeing of our community.
The Chief and Minister also shared discussion on the importance of infrastructure and its positive impact on the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the community. The resolution of this claim—and the distributions that come with it—puts Muscowpetung in a stronger position to support critical infrastructure development and build long-term financial sustainability that will benefit our Nation for generations to come.
Chief and Council would like to sincerely thank Minister Alty and her team for visiting our Nation—not only to mark this important settlement, but to engage in open, honest dialogue on the issues that continue to affect our people.
It is through these Nation-to-Nation discussions that we move forward together and honour the true intent of reconciliation, and the spirit of Treaty.
OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE: https://www.canada.ca/en/crown-indigenous-relations-northern-affairs/news/2025/07/muscowpetung-saulteaux-nation-and-canada-reach-agricultural-benefits-agreement.html
