ISTANBUL

AA- The Canadian government has paid hundreds of millions of dollars to indigenous tribes in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan to compensate for historical wrongs, reported this Saturday, the Société Radio-Canada (CBC).

The Muskowpetung Saulteaux Nation received 150 million Canadian dollars ($110.2 million) in compensation for 7,400 hectares (18,285 acres) of land confiscated in 1909, in violation of the 1874 treaty signed between the government and the nation.

This country, located in northern Saskatchewan and with a population of about 1,600, took the government to court in the 1990s.

“I am very happy with the conclusion. Many of our employees have worked very hard,” said Muskowpetung Chief Melissa Tavita. “I remember when my mother was on the (Muscowpetung) council. I remember I was a teenager and she told me they were filing a lawsuit to sue the government.

Although the largest claim, the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation received C$56 million for agricultural benefits agreed to by treaty but not realized.

“For Kinistin, this agreement is a right resulting from a completed treaty and the implementation of the treaty. This is the result of the parties’ efforts to achieve a fair process and an outcome that we consider fair. We have other demands in progress and we are confident that this will pave the way for the implementation of the treaty in other areas,” said Kinistin President Félix Thomas.

The indigenous group has a population of approximately 1,200.

Fourteen other First Nations received 37 million Canadian dollars.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree said in a written statement that resolving past injustices with First Nations was a top priority for Ottawa.