March 11 2016

Page 1

Nickel Belt News

Volume 56 Number 10

Friday, March 11, 2016

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Sayisi Dene First Nation members voting March 29 on $33.6 million settlement related to 1956 relocation to Churchill BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Members of Sayisi Dene First Nation at Tadoule Lake will be voting March 29 on a $33.6 million cash settlement from the federal government that will also convert approximately 13,000 acres of provincial Crown land near Little Duck Lake to reserve status. The agreement, if approved, will settle a claim brought against the government in 1999 for the effects of relocating the First Nation from Little Duck Lake to Churchill in 1956. The agreement also includes an apology from the federal government for the relocation and must be approved by a majority of those who cast ballots totalling at least 25 per cent of all eligible voters in order to be ratified. The settlement also includes $995,000 for land surveys of that are being converted to reserve status. “The relocation of our people from our homeland at Little Duck Lake in the 1950s, and the systematic destruction of our fragile society was an ordeal we do not ever want to relive or put our children through,” said a letter from Sayisi Dene First Nation Chief Ernest Bussidor included in a mail-in ballot package sent to off-reserve First Nation members. “We lost so many good people during the 17 years we lived in the cold northern town of Churchill, and continue to lose members who continue to die as a result of the many effects we endured during this dark period.” Information sessions for eligible voters outlining the terms of the 63-page agreement will be held in Winnipeg March 22, in Thompson March 23, in Churchill March 24 and in Tadoule Lake March 28. The ratification officer will be present at those meetings to accept mail-in ballots from eligible voters at the conclusion of those meetings. Voting will also take place March 29 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. in Tadoule Lake. Voters will vote yes or no by secret ballot on a question that reads: “As a voter, do you: a) agree to the terms and conditions of the Relocation Claim Final Settlement Agreement between Sayisi Dene First Nation and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada; b) agree to the terms and conditions of the Sayisi Dene Relocation Settlement Trust Agreement; and c) authorize and direct present and future Chiefs and Councils of the Sayisi Dene First Nation and its Members, to sign all documents and take all necessary

measures as required to give effect to the Final Settlement Agreement, the Lands Agreement and the Settlement Trust Agreement?” The settlement money will be held in a trust. Within 30 days of the deposit of the payment into the settlement trust, trustees will establish a Churchill Generation Recognition Account of $5.7 million, which will be used to pay $20,000 to any person (or their estate) who was a First Nation member on Aug. 17, 1956, is listed on the flight manifest of one of the planes that transported members to Churchill from Little Duck Lake, and was alive on Jan. 1, 2013. People who were members on Aug. 17, 1956 and alive as of Jan. 1, 2013 who were not listed on a flight manifest will receive $17,500. Those who were born between Aug. 18, 1956 and Dec. 31, 1973 and alive as of Jan. 1, 203 will be eligible for a $15,000 payment. Another $100,000 will go towards the establishment of a Churchill Memorial Account to memorialize members who died during or after the relocation to Churchill. Money will also be used to support a healthy food program, an education support program, a major capital project account, and a community cabins program. Accepting the settlement will release and indemnify the federal government from any further claims related to the relocation from Sayisi Dene First Nation and its members. Any costs the federal government incurs as a result of actions or proceedings brought by a person against the Crown after the agreement is ratified would have to be compensated by Sayisi Dene First Nation. If a majority that does not represent more than 25 per cent of eligible voters approves the settlement agreement, the federal government and the First Nation can discuss whether or not a second ratification vote should be held. If a majority of those who cast ballots representing more than 25 per cent of all eligible voters rejects the settlement agreement, no further votes will be held. “With careful planning, we can create an economic base for our people and expand our horizons by reconnecting with our true homeland – Little Duck Lake and Nejalini Lake and beyond,” said Bussidor in his letter. “So, please consider this opportunity with open minds, and think of the young ones who are growing up behind us when you make the final decision when you vote on the Relocation Settlement Agreement.”

Nickel Belt News photo by Kacper Antoszewski Students from throughout Northern Manitoba competed in the areas of cosmetology and culinary arts at the 2016 regional skills competition in Thompson March 3. See story on Page 2.


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