The Government of Saskatchewan has signed agreements between Canada, Saskatchewan and each of Sakimay and Cowessess First Nations to settle flood claims against Canada at Crooked Lake.

Over the past 10 years, the province has been an active participant in the negotiations between the Government of Canada and the Sakimay and Cowessess First Nations. The agreement is now in the final stage and will be complete once the federal government provides their approval.

“I am very pleased to have been able to sign the agreement settling these flood claims,” Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Dustin Duncan comments. “I look forward to the final settlement once Canada approves the agreements.”

Following ratification votes by band members, both Sakimay and Cowessess First Nations had signed the agreements and sent them to the province for signature. The province will now send them to the federal government as the final step in the approval process.

The claims arise from flooding of land on the two First Nations caused by an Agriculture Canada dam at the outlet of Crooked Lake. Once the Government of Canada signs the agreements, it will pay compensation for past flooding of First Nations’ lands and lawful authority for future flooding in accordance with easements to be issued to Saskatchewan.