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NCN Receives $23 Million Advance Payment
On March 8, on behalf of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Deputy Chief Marcel Moody signed an advance Payment Agreement with the federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.
This contract means that NCN will receive more than $23 million this year while litigation continues on the Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement. Thirteen other Nations have also signed an advance payment agreement. NCN Citizens originally voted to approve the TLEA in 1998, but the conversion of our TLE selections to reserve lands has been delayed by Canada for years.
In 2018, an adjudicator determined that Canada had breached the TLE Framework Agreement. Our Treaty Land Entitlement Committee of Manitoba filed a Statement of Claim in June 2022, seeking billions of dollars for breach of the agreement, loss of economic development, land use and related matters. Canada filed a Statement of Defence in October that same year in response. The Agreement has been tied up in the courts since.
However, this Advance Payment Agreement came up very recently. Under its terms, NCN will receive $23,195,876 this year, while negotiations continue. That amount will be applied against the final settlement amount, which Chief and Council hope to finalize and have available for community approval by the end of the year.
In the meantime, Chief and Council acknowledge the guidance and long-term vision and guidance of our late Elders D’Arcy Linklater Sr. (Kamunitowe Pemohtet – Spiritwalker) and Jimmy Hunter-Spence (Wapiski Ohow Ka apit – White Snow Owl Sitting), who worked so hard to get these matters resolved before their passing.
Gratitude also to Councillor Jeremiah Spence, our current TLEC Board member; his predecessor Regional Vice-Chief Willie Moore; past Chiefs and Councils; Lands, Environment and Resources staff; NCN legal team; and Deputy Chief Moody who drove to Winnipeg on short notice to sign the Agreement.
This is a monumental day for NCN and Citizens are excited. On Facebook, Diane Linklater said, “Yup, was just saying D’Arcy must be clapping from above,” and Emily Spencegreen said, “Yes, uncle must be doing his happy dance.”
Many Citizens discussed investing into new homes and programs for the community. Another suggested the nursing station should receive some funds, noting the need for a better health care facility.
“We have excellent leaders who make wise choices,” said Larry Tait.
Another Citizen reminded all that money is only one piece of the puzzle of success.
“If we all want a change in our community, it starts within the homes, and (we must) change the mindset,” said Trent Linklater. “We all play a role in how this community can be a thriving place.”
Read the March Newsletter for the complete story.
KITITAHWINAOW ACHIMOWIN COMMUNITY
- OKIMAHKAN OTY’AMIWIN From the Chief – Highlights and Recent Activities in NCN
- COMMUNITY: AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson Visits NCN
- BUSINESS: Kathleen BlueSky Honoured as 2025 AACSB Influential Leader
- Creating First Nation Strategy for Mining
- Showcasing NCN Land-Base Programs
- Wisakejak: the Cree Trickster/Teacher
- Water is Life – Let’s Protect It
- Dev Corps Asks for NCN Insight
- Fishing Derby a REEL Success
- MMIWG2S+ Walk in Thompson
- NCN Kids Enjoy A Slice
- Warning: New Deadly Drug Alert
- NCN Purchases $10M FNFA Bond
- NNCEA Policy 803B: School Closure Due to Cold Weather
- Celebrating the Process of Sobriety
- Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Celebrates AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson’s Inspiring Victory
- Interview on Restorative Justice
- Giant Retailers Stop Selling Bladed Weapons
- Attention NCN Citizens: Prevent Sewage Blockages!
- Successful Fur Table in Thompson
- Community Protection Law: Your Feedback Required!
- Ceremony for New AFN Regional Chief Moore
- NCN Draft National Anthem and Tribute song to Willie Moore “Buckoose”
- Celebrating Hard Work With Assiniboine College
- Inspiration: Iskwew Air
- The Detrimental Effects of a Society Disconnected from Our Creator God
- NCN Thompson Bus Lines Celebrates Grand Opening of New Depot in The Pas
- The Dangers of Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
- Remember the Dangers of Ice
