The Supreme Court of Canada says an Alberta First Nation ended up with less land than it should have received under a treaty made with the Crown well over a century ago.The Supreme Court of Canada building is pictured at sunset in Ottawa on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Blood Tribe, an Alberta First Nation, was shortchanged on land promised to them over a century ago in a treaty with the Crown. The court's unanimous decision on Friday stated that the tribe was entitled to an additional 162 square miles of territory, highlighting the Crown's failure to uphold its treaty obligations.
The dispute centered around a promise made in 1877 to allocate one square mile of land for each family of five within the Blood Tribe, located near Lethbridge, Alberta. Despite this commitment, the tribe argued that Canada provided them with less land than agreed upon.
Acknowledging its breach of the land entitlement commitment, the Crown's admission came late in the legal battle, characterized by the court as a last-minute concession in a prolonged dispute. According to the terms of the treaty, the Blood Tribe was supposed to receive a reserve spanning 710 square miles. However, they were only allocated 547.5 square miles, falling short of their entitlement.
Justice Michelle O'Bonsawin, writing on behalf of the court, emphasized that the Crown's failure to meet the agreed-upon land provisions constituted a dishonorable breach of the treaty. O'Bonsawin underscored the significance of the court's declaration that the Blood Tribe deserved additional land, stating that it plays a crucial role in acknowledging the Crown's misconduct, aiding in future reconciliation efforts, and contributing to restoring the Crown's integrity.
The court's decision brings attention to historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities and underscores the importance of upholding treaty obligations to ensure equitable treatment and reconciliation moving forward.
