Muskeg Lake Cree Nation welcomes the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, to our Nation as we commemorate 150 years of Treaty 6.

Their visit comes at an important time for Muskeg Lake Cree Nation as we sign our Treaty 6 Agricultural Benefits settlement agreement. We are also pleased to welcome our Treaty 4 relatives from Key First Nation, including Chief Brass and members of his Council, as our Nations sign our respective settlement agreements together.

The resolution of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation’s Agricultural Benefits claim recognizes that Canada did not fully honour commitments made under Treaty. The settlement addresses that historic failure and creates an opportunity for our Nation to use these resources to support our priorities and future generations.

Chief Kelly Wolfe stated:

“As we commemorate 150 years of Treaty 6, we are reminded that the Treaty is a living relationship that continues to guide our Nations and shape our future. On behalf of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, I would like to thank the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, for their efforts toward the resolution of our Agricultural Benefits claim. This settlement is a testament to the resilience of our people and represents an important step toward reconciliation, as Canada acknowledges its failure to uphold its treaty commitments and the lasting impacts this has had on our Nation.

For Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, this settlement marks a significant milestone and reinforces our responsibility to invest in our Nation, advance our priorities, and create opportunities for future generations. As we look ahead, we remain committed to honouring the spirit and intent of Treaty 6, strengthening our Nation, and ensuring that the rights, promises, and responsibilities enshrined in the Treaty continue to be recognized, respected, and upheld for generations to come.”

As we mark 150 years of Treaty 6, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation continues to look at both what was promised and what remains to be done. The Agricultural Benefits settlement is an important step, but it does not close the book on Treaty implementation.