This past Thursday, the provincial government, federal government and Mistawasis Nêhiyawak announced a tripartite settlement agreement surrounding the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Treaty Land Entitlement Claim. 

When Treaty 6 was signed in 1876, Mistawasis Nêhiyawak was to have 128 acres of land set aside for every member of the First Nation. There was enough land for 385 people set aside, however, the total eligible membership at the time was 419. This meant the amount of land was short by 4,352 acres.  

Mistawasis Nêhiyawak will receive $31.6 million in compensation, with $22.5 million from the federal government and $9.1 million from the provincial government. There will also be the ability for Mistawasis Nêhiyawak to add up to 29,394 acres to the reserve.  

"With the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876, Chief Mistawasis brought a new way of life for his people," Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Chief Daryl Watson said. "Based on Treaty 6, the Government of Canada has fulfilled a long outstanding Treaty obligation owed to Mistawasis Nêhiyawak by signing the TLE Settlement Agreement. Righting this historical wrong will enable the Nation to realize the benefits owed to them for generations to come." 

There was an additional $4.9 million set aside as compensation for rural municipalities and school divisions, once taxable land is set apart as reserve. 

The negotiations for this land claim started in 2009.