Treaty Land Entitlement Transfer of Mineral Rights for Cowessess First Nation

Released on May 22, 2024

Nearly 1542 hectares (3811 acres) of Crown mineral rights will be transferred to Cowessess First Nation under the Cowessess Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Settlement Agreement.

"Transferring mineral rights to Cowessess First Nation marks another milestone in Saskatchewan's commitment to Treaty duties and economic reconciliation," Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis Relations and Northern Affairs Don McMorris said. "Saskatchewan is blessed with resources and these agreements ensure that all communities are benefitting from our province's growth."

Acquiring new reserve lands through successful TLE agreements supports community growth and traditional land use. This transfer is part of the province's continued commitment to TLE settlement agreements, aimed at ensuring that First Nation communities receive the land promised to them under historical Treaties. Under the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement, 1930, Saskatchewan has a constitutional obligation to assist the federal government with this promise.

The TLE agreements provide First Nations with entitlement monies to purchase land anywhere in the province on a "willing buyer-willing seller" basis and add it to their reserves.

Under the terms of TLE agreement, all undisposed provincial Crown minerals underlying lands purchased by the First Nation are to be transferred at no cost to the Government of Canada for purposes of reserve creation. 

Since 1992, the provincial and federal governments have committed $687 million for TLE settlements in Saskatchewan. Approximately 888,806 acres have been transferred, with 1.48 million acres outstanding.

The Ministry of Government Relations coordinates and manages the provincial implementation of the TLE agreements between Canada, Saskatchewan, and 36 First Nations. The recent transfer to Cowessess First Nation underscores Saskatchewan's commitment to economic reconciliation and the fulfillment of Treaty obligations.

The province continues to work collaboratively with First Nation communities to fulfill land entitlement agreements and support community growth and development.

For more information on Treaty Land Entitlement, please visit saskatchewan.ca. 

Background:

• The Mineral Order in Council stipulates the transfer of nearly 195 hectares (480 acres) of Crown mineral rights to Cowessess First Nation upon the surface attaining reserve status.
• Approximately, 76,303.02 reserve acres have been created to date under the TLE Agreement.
• Under Section 5.04 of the TLE Agreements, the Government of Saskatchewan is required to transfer undisposed Crown minerals to the Government of Canada at no cost. The minerals transferred will be held by His Majesty the King in the right of Canada for the use and benefit of Cowessess First Nation.
• Saskatchewan has transferred more acres to reserve status under our TLE agreements than any other province in Canada.

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