Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Photo: Gintsivuskans | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko / with files from Canadian Press

Trudeau to visit Siksika Nation in Southern Alberta for signing ceremony

Jun 2, 2022 | 10:21 AM

SIKSIKA, AB – UPDATE: Ottawa signs $1.3 billion settlement with Siksika Nation

Original Story:

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is to visit a First Nation east of Calgary on Thursday, June 2, 2022, for a signing ceremony.

Trudeau and Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, are to spend much of the day at Siksika Nation.

A notice on the nation’s website inviting its members to the event says it’s a signing ceremony for the 1910 Global Settlement Agreement.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: September 20, 2024

Sep 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 30, 2024

Aug 30, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 23, 2024

Aug 23, 2024

In 1910, the federal government unlawfully claimed 115,000 acres of Siksika’s most productive agricultural lands and minerals contrary to the requirements of the Indian Act and Canada’s fiduciary duties to the Siksika Nation.

There were also breaches of duty by CP Rail taking reserve lands, flooding of and release of sewage onto the reserve without Siksika’s permission, and the unlawful taking of 500 acres of reserve land for the Bow River Irrigation Project.

In December 2021, Siksika Nation members voted to approve a one-time settlement payment of $1.3 billion from the federal government.

The Siksika website says each member is to receive $20,000 in July as part of the settlement.

Trudeau and Miller are expected to hold a media availability with Chief Ouray Crowfoot this afternoon.

READ MORE: Siksika Nation members accept $1.3B settlement after land unlawfully surrendered

(The Canadian Press)