Four First Nations along the Alberta-Saskatchewan border are taking their fight over nearly 18,000 acres known as the Haylands to the Federal Court of Appeal.
Onion Lake Cree Nation, Cold Lake First Nations, Kehewin Cree Nation and Frog Lake Cree Nation plan to file for judicial review on September 9, contesting an August 10 ruling by the Specific Claims Tribunal.
The date carries special weight: it falls exactly 150 years after their ancestors joined Treaty No. 6 at Fort Pitt on September 9, 1876. The Nations have advanced the claim jointly for over a decade under the banner of the Onion Lake Agency First Nations.
The core disagreement centres on the status of roughly 17,895 acres. The Tribunal concluded the Haylands were never set aside as reserve land under Treaty No. 6 and viewed the Crown’s duty mainly as guaranteeing adequate hay for livestock.
The four Nations reject that reading. They insist the lands themselves were reserved and safeguarded as part of the Treaty’s commitments on land and agriculture, especially as the traditional buffalo-based economy collapsed.For them the dispute reaches beyond a single parcel or possible compensation. It tests whether the Crown’s Treaty pledges about land, farming support and long-term livelihoods still hold legal force.
Frog Lake Cree Nation stressed that Treaty No. 6 was meant to create an ongoing relationship, not a one-time deal.
“Our ancestors entered into Treaty believing they were establishing an enduring relationship with the Crown — one built on mutual respect, shared responsibility and promises that would continue for generations.”
Cold Lake First Nations Chief Kelsey Jacko echoed the point.
“Our ancestors did not enter Treaty for promises that Canada could later narrow, redefine or walk away from. The commitments concerning land, agriculture and livelihood were intended to help our people survive and prosper for generations. One hundred and fifty years later, Canada still has an obligation to honour those commitments.”
Nineteen Elders from the four communities gave oral history testimony describing the Haylands as protected under Treaty.
The Nations worry that when those voices are heard but the final interpretation diverges from their understanding, the spirit of Treaty is not fully respected. Watchmaker said the review aims to secure proper legal weight for that history and those teachings.
Onion Lake Cree Nation Okimaw Pete Chief framed the joint action as a defence of the Treaty itself.
“Our Nations are standing together because this is about our sacred Treaty. The Haylands were connected to the promises made to our ancestors to protect our people and sustain our Nations into the future. These promises mattered in 1876, and they matter today.”
The Nations also express concern that returning to court undermines the purpose of the Specific Claims process, which was designed as a specialized route for resolving historical grievances without prolonged litigation.
Frog Lake Cree Nation described the judicial review as a responsibility to ancestors, Elders and future generations to prevent any narrowing of the promises made 150 years ago.
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