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Cowessess First Nation [Flooding claim]

Originally part of the Qu’Appelle Valley Indian Development Authority (QVIDA), the Cowessess First Nation was one of a number of First Nations whose lands were lost to recurrent and, in some areas, continuous flooding caused by the construction in the 1940s of a series of water-control structures under the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act. When negotiations between Canada and QVIDA broke down in August 2003, the Cowessess First Nation chose to commence negotiations with Canada individually. The Commission is at the negotiation table as mediator/facilitator.

During the past fiscal year, the negotiating parties have initiated discussions on a boundary study which will form a basis for assessing past damages. At the same time, the parties, along with the Province of Saskatchewan, are negotiating an interim agreement to allow for the operation of the Crooked Lake water-control structure.