Bearspaw First Nation Class Action Lawsuit Against Federal Government
The Bearspaw First Nation is taking a stand against the federal government by filing a class-action lawsuit. Chief Darcy Dixon explains that the lawsuit stems from the government’s failure to uphold the value of annuity payments outlined in Treaty no. 7.
Since 1877, Canada has been providing a five-dollar annuity payment to members of Treaty no. 7 Nations annually. However, the First Nation argues that due to the diminishing value of five dollars over the past century, members are not receiving the full intended benefits. Chief Dixon expressed disappointment, stating, “Generations of First Nations citizens within Treaty no. 7 have been waiting for the Crown to fulfill its promises. Our Treaty is meant to foster mutual benefit and harmonious relations, but Canada has neglected its obligations. This claim is aimed at setting things right for all Treaty no. 7 citizens.”
The lawsuit represents all Treaty no. 7 Nations and their members, automatically including individual members while allowing Nations to opt-in. The Bearspaw First Nation urges all Treaty no. 7 Nations to unite in support of the lawsuit to seek justice together.
