For Immediate Release
September 13, 2018
STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL: COWS AND PLOUGHS SPECIFIC CLAIM
Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Treaty 6 Territory – The following statement was released by Council regarding recent online discussions surrounding the “Cows and Ploughs Specific Claim”:
“Members of Council are very aware of recent online discussions regarding the ‘Cows and Ploughs Specific Claim’. We feel that these discussions have presented grossly inaccurate information and resulted in significant confusion amongst community members.
In 2008, the ‘Treaty 6 Agricultural Assistance’ claim was submitted to the Specific Claims Tribunal. In 2011, for reasons beyond the Nation’s control, that claim was ‘Not Accepted for Negotiations’.
On April 3, 2018, on direction from Council, Maurice Law resubmitted the claim on behalf of the Nation.
As you can see in the document provided, we have not yet entered into negotiations regarding the settlement of this claim; and to be clear, our Specific Claim has not yet even been accepted by the Specific Claims Tribunal.
Yes, other Nations – specifically in Treaty 8 territory – have settled similar claims, however, it is critically important to note that those claims are specific to those Nations and are in no way related to our claim.
We invite you to attend the Nation’s Members’ Assembly on September 26th where you can pose your questions to the Nation’s legal counsel, Maurice Law. It is also important to note that an update regarding this matter was provided by Maurice Law on Treaty Day.
Article 4.3(e) of the Constitution of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation states that ‘members have the right to be included, engaged, and informed.’ If you have questions regarding this or any other matter, just ask.”
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For more information, please contact:
Chief & Council Communications
306-467-4523 | communications@beardysband.com
