“The recent transfer of mineral rights to Cowessess First Nation is a signifiant step in supporting their continuing economic growth,” said Don McMorris, Government of Saskatchewan Minister for First Nations, Métis Relations, and Northern Affairs in a news release.
The First Nation is to receive 336 hectares (829 acres) of mineral rights, which is the largest trasfer ever made. The province is calling it a movement toward greater economic growth for Cowessess.
Ocean Man First Nation and Little Pine First Nation have both received mineral rights from the provincial government. Ocean Man received 63 hectares in 2023 and Little Pine was transferred 65 hectares in 2021.
“We are committed to continue fulfilling our obligations under the Treaty Land Entitlement Agreements, which play a vital role in recognizing the rights of First Nations in Saskatchewan,” he said.
Mineral rights determine who has the right to explore what lie beneath the land surface. Mineral rights are usually held by a provincial government, but a small portion, called freehold mineral rights, may be held by others.
The minerals will be held by His Majesty the King in the right of Canada for the use and benefit of Cowessess First Nation. The province has transferred approximately 29,019 hectares of Crown minerals to the federal government on behalf of Cowessess First Nation.
The Government of Saskatchewan said the transfer is part of their ongoing efforts to “fulfill its commitments under the TLE Agreements, reinforcing the province’s dedication to reconciliation and strengthening relationships with First Nations,” read the statement.
Since 1992, federal and provincial governments have committed $687 million for TLE Settlements. Approximately 888,806 million acres have been transferred. The amount of acres outstanding are almost double that amount, at 1.48 million acres.
The TLE Agreements provide First Nations with entitlement monies to purchase land anywhere in the province on a ‘willing buyer/willing seller’ basis, which will then become part of their reserve land. Under the TLE Agreements, 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 reserve creation.
Cowessess Chief Erica Beaudin did not respond to requests for a comment on the mineral rights transfer.
