Public Service Announcement – Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation – TLE Advance Settlement Allocation
Tansi Citizens,
We are pleased to share important news about the $23 million Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) advance payment received by Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.
This advance payment is in recognition of our Nation’s long-standing claim under the 1997 Manitoba Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement for compensation for Canada failing to set apart land as Reserve in a timely way. This advance payment helps ensure that our Nation and Citizens can begin to benefit now, while negotiations continue toward a final settlement.
Chief and Council have carefully reviewed community priorities and have approved the following allocations to ensure that the funds directly benefit our Citizens, strengthen our community, and support long-term growth and stability.
How the $23 Million Will Be Used:
| CATEGORY | ALLOCATION |
| Per Capita Distribution – $750 per Citizen × 5,800 members | $4,350,000 |
| Economic Development Investments – creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and growing community enterprises | $7,500,000 |
| Housing – building new homes and improving infrastructure | $5,500,000 |
| Pavement & Ditching Projects – upgrading community roads and drainage | $2,000,000 |
| Recreation Programming / Multiplex – expanding activities for youth, families, and wellness | $400,000 |
| Justice Programming – supporting community justice, restorative initiatives, and prevention | $250,000 |
| Animal Control – improving safety and humane care for community pets | $250,000 |
| Industrial-Sized Generators – ensuring reliable backup power for key community facilities | $600,000 |
| Ending Poverty Proposal – advancing employment, training, and economic inclusion | $1,500,000 |
| Treatment and Wellness Programs – expanding addictions treatment and healing supports | $400,000 |
| Cemeteries – improving maintenance and honouring our loved ones | $250,000 |
| TOTAL | $23,000,000 |
What This Means for Our Nation
This investment plan balances immediate support for Citizens with critical, long-term investments in housing, economic growth, wellness, and infrastructure.
By reinvesting these funds back into our community, we are:
- Supporting families and elders;
- Creating new opportunities and employment for youth;
- Improving essential infrastructure and community safety;
- Promoting healing, wellness, and unity across the Nation.
Next Steps:
Chief and Council will continue to provide updates as projects move forward.
Community members will be informed about timelines, distribution details, and opportunities for involvement.
This advance payment represents another important step toward respecting and fulfilling our Treaty rights and building a strong, self-reliant future for all NCN Citizens.
Finally, for clarification: we have not settled our specific claims (such as Agricultural Benefits “Cows & Plows,” Treaty Annuities, NTRA, or Lands Disparity). These claims remain before the courts.
Ekosi,
NCN Chief & Council
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
