Alberta First Nation sues Ottawa over $5 treaty annuity, argues amount stuck in 1899

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation has launched a lawsuit against the federal government, seeking to modernize annual treaty annuity payments. Chief Allan Adam stated that the $5 payment, unchanged since the signing of Treaty 8 in 1899, no longer holds meaningful value.

"Treaty promises must remain meaningful, and it is not meaningful when a promise made in 1899 is still being paid at 1899 values," Adam said in a news release. He emphasized that the lawsuit aims to ensure treaty benefits retain real value for current and future generations.

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Treaty promises must remain meaningful, and it is not meaningful when a promise made in 1899 is still being paid at 1899 values. This case is about keeping promises.

The First Nation is not seeking back pay but wants the annuity program updated to provide relevant assistance. The claim highlights that $5 in 1899 is equivalent to roughly $200 today, noting that inflation was not a consideration during treaty negotiations.

This legal challenge follows similar actions by other First Nations across Canada regarding treaty payment amounts. In 2023, the federal government and Ontario reached a $10 billion settlement with 21 First Nations in that province. The Crown-Indigenous Relations department acknowledged the lawsuit but declined further comment as the matter is before the courts.

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The benefits promised under Treaty 8 must have real value for First Nations people today and for generations to come.