March 4, 2022 — Alexander First Nation, Treaty Six Territory, Alberta — Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Today, Chief George Arcand Jr. and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced that the Alexander First Nation and the Government of Canada have reached a settlement on the First Nation’s Trust Account Claim. This settlement resolves a historical grievance for the community and will rebuild trust between Canada and the Alexander First Nation.

The specific claim concerns Canada’s management of the Alexander First Nation’s trust accounts – including certain expenditures made from those accounts, dating between 1905 to 1950. The Government of Canada failed to manage some of these expenditures which were, upon review, found to be incorrect and are now being compensated to the First Nation. In the settlement agreement, Canada will provide $7,470,269 in compensation to the Alexander First Nation.

Honouring Canada’s legal obligations to Indigenous Peoples and working to renew Government-to-Government relationships is key to advancing reconciliation in Canada.