It too more than 100 years of waiting, but members of the Katlodeeche First Nation finally got to see their treaty with the federal government honoured.
On July 12, community members voted that each member would receive a $30,000 pay-out from the SA国际影视传媒渃ows and plowsSA国际影视传媒� money that was awarded as part of a settlement with the federal government in 2017.
SA国际影视传媒淓veryone is happy with the payout,SA国际影视传媒� said Chief April Martel.
NNSL file photo
The $28.3-million 'cows and plows' settlement was reached to satisfy unfulfilled promises made in Treaty 8, which stipulated the federal government would provide SA国际影视传媒渃ows and plowsSA国际影视传媒� to signatories that wanted start farming.
The community has been trying to decide how to share the money ever since. There was always a desire to retain some of the money for future education and business opportunities, but there were differing opinions on how much should end up directly in the pockets of band members.
The July 12 vote had three options: 1) each member gets $30,000 and with the remaining money being put in a community trust for 10 years; 2) each member gets $27,000 and with the remaining money is put in a community trust for five years; 3) each member gets $24,000 with the remaining money being available to be spent right away.
In the end the community voted overwhelmingly for the first option, with 302 votes in favour. The other two options received 12 and two votes respectively.
The payout was a few weeks ago.
SA国际影视传媒淚t's been so quiet on the reserve. It's so nice,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淎 lot of people are buying stuff, fixing up their house, paying off lots of debt. A lot of kids are putting money away and some are travelling,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
While band members are happy with the outcome, work will now turn towards how the remaining money will be managed in trust.
Martel said most of the money will end up in a trust with a small amount left over to help pay for immediate needs related to education.
SA国际影视传媒淩ight now, we give $350 per semester for people for school but if they need more for book supplies and that we can help as well.SA国际影视传媒�
She said the fund will also be able to help people who want to start their own businesses.
SA国际影视传媒淚f anyone wants to start farming, they can access that money,SA国际影视传媒�
Martel said a committee is being set up in order to find out the best way to manage the trust.
SA国际影视传媒淲e have to look for someone that will take care of that trust money,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淭here's still lots of do to with the trust.SA国际影视传媒�
