Author: Developer IndigPro

Message from Chief Evan Taypotat re: Per Capita Distribution

Good morning Kahkewistahaw First Nation,
Thank you for your patience as our leadership team and financial advisors finalized the plan for the Agriculture Benefits Settlement’s per capita distribution (PCD).
After careful consideration and listening to feedback from our membership, we have made two significant changes to the original plan presented at the meetings in Kahkewistahaw F.N., Regina, and Calgary:
Increased Adult PCD – Each adult member of KFN will now receive $30,000, the same as an elder. This decision was made in response to feedback emphasizing the immediate impact of these funds rather than delaying distribution until members turn elder age. After careful review, we have adjusted accordingly.
Minors’ Trust Funds & Interest Accrual – The PCD for minors will remain $2,500, but their trust funds will now accrue interest. Upon turning 18 years old, that member will receive $27,500 plus interest. This change was made following recommendations from parents and consultations with our financial advisors.
To accommodate these adjustments, $7 million will be reallocated from the $63 million initially designated for investment with the Legacy Trust. As a result, the total investment in the Legacy Trust will now be $56 million. All other allocations outlined in the presentation slides and available at www.kfn72.com remain unchanged.
As always, we will present the Legacy Trust financial report every June, alongside the 1907 Specific Claim Trust report, so that KFN members can see where and how their money is working for them.
Our finance team has outlined the following requirements to receive your distribution:
✅ Bank Accounts – Each member, including minors, must have their own bank account. Funds cannot be deposited via electronic transfer without an individual account.
✅ Identification & Banking Information – Each member must provide a valid form of identification along with their banking details when submitting their information.
We will share the process for submitting your information later today once we receive final confirmation from the bank. In the meantime, we recommend setting up your bank account and gathering the required identification if you haven’t already.
We anticipate the PCD electronic funds transfer to your bank account in mid-to late April, giving you ample time to complete these steps. The submission email address will be provided on social media and the KFN website later today. We are almost there, so get those documents ready!
Thank you again for your patience and understanding. Our leadership team has learned from this experience, and we will apply these lessons in our after-action review to recognize successes and improve future processes.
Have a great weekend, and go Round Lake Bears 🐻!
On behalf of the KFN Council,
Chief Evan Taypotat

Kahkewistahaw Post Secondary Program Deadline Date March 1st

Kahkewistahaw Post Secondary Program

Deadline Date March 1st

Please Submit Applications for Spring/Summer semester no later than March 1, 2025, 11:59pm. Although you have to be in the criteria in order to be eligible for semester. Please read below………
Post Secondary Policy:
4.1 Students will be funded for eight months per year unless the student requires classes offered only in Spring/Summer semesters that are not normally offered in Fall/Winter semesters. This option may only be applicable to students with an exceptional academic standing with 80% or higher. The Spring & Summer Semester is normally continuing student who are the 3rd and/or 4th year.
Please note if you are taking a program outside of university such as certificate or diploma which runs thru spring and summer, you are eligible and should be submitting continuing applications for funding.
Links to these forms can be found on the Education page on this site.

TREATY 4 AGRICULTURAL BENEFITS CLAIM INFORMATION PACKAGE

ATTENTION KAHKEWISTAHAW MEMBERS

 

Re: TREATY 4 AGRICULTURAL BENEFITS CLAIM INFORMATION PACKAGE

 

If members would like a copy of the information package for the Treaty 4 Agricultural Benefits Claim, it can be requested through:

 

Arlene Isaac, Membership Clerk- membership@kahkewistahaw.com

 

Andrea Starr, Sr Executive Assistant – Chief.council@kahkewistahaw.com

 

Ariel Bobb, Jr Executive Assistant- ExecutiveAssistant@kahkewistahaw.com

Agricultural Benefits Survey and a Message from Chief Evan Taypotat

Agricultural Benefits Survey
Good morning Kahkewistahaw First Nation,
Today, I address our people with a heavy heart for our Nakoda neighbours from Cegakin First Nation.
Yesterday, they suffered an unthinkable tragedy, losing four members of their community in a horrific home invasion. Details remain limited, but the RCMP has indicated that there is no ongoing threat to public safety at this time. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the entire Cegakin community.
Additionally, I want to share the link and QR code for the survey regarding our Treaty 4 Agricultural Benefits Claim. We hope this survey will provide clarity on the direction our people wish to take. Information sessions will be held next week to ensure the community understands what will be presented for a vote.
KFN Leadership has developed a plan we believe will benefit all members, regardless of age or place of residence. However, we recognize the importance of inclusivity, and we hope the survey will help refine our approach. Your participation is crucial in shaping our collective future.
Please take a moment to complete the confidential 15 question survey at your earliest convenience. Your input will help guide KFN leadership in allocating funds if the vote is successful.
I wish you a good day. Please keep those in mourning in your thoughts and prayers, thank you.
On behalf of KFN Council,
Chief Evan
Link: https://forms.office.com/r/WPTfHjcuC3?origin=lprLink

Message from Chief Evan Taypotat re: Agricultural Benefits

Good morning Kahkewistahaw First Nation,
Later today, I will post a survey to gather input and direction from KFN membership regarding the Agricultural Benefits Settlement. We are currently finalizing the questions to ensure they capture the perspectives of our people.
We will review the survey results and develop a plan to present to the people on how to spend the funds if the vote is successful.
In the coming days, hopefully by the end of today, we will share settlement documents with more details about the proposed agreement. As always, I will continue to provide information to help all members make an informed decision.
I want to remind everyone that this process is democratic, and the sky is not falling. Chief and Council are simply presenting this settlement offer to the nation, as we were elected to do. Next week, we will facilitate this discussion respectfully and transparently, leading up to the vote, in which each member can decide whether to accept the settlement.
If the vote passes, $133.6 million will be injected into our First Nation. If it does not, we will continue as we are. Regardless of the outcome, we will move forward together, always striving to be better than we were yesterday and preparing for what tomorrow may bring.
Ekosi, thank you.
Chief Evan

Message from Chief Evan Taypotat

Good Afternoon, Kahkewistahaw First Nation,

Welcome to day one of our new work year in 2025! I hope everyone—our workforce, CKCS students, and community members both near and far—are feeling well-rested and ready to embrace the opportunities ahead. The Christmas break was much needed, and now we can begin the new year refreshed and focused.

This morning, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation in Ottawa. While no election has been scheduled yet, it is expected that a summer or fall election will take place.

This development aligns well with our agriculture benefits claim progress. As you know, we are in the final stage of the process before presenting the agreement to you. Although we had hoped for a January 1 announcement, we are still awaiting the final agreement. I remain optimistic for an announcement this month.

Once the agreement is finalized, we can move swiftly to stay ahead of any federal election timeline. I was on the phone this morning with our legal team and Ottawa contacts, who assured me that we are on track for our Cows and Ploughs information sessions and community vote in the coming months. Once I receive the signed agreement, we will begin scheduling the sessions.

Please stay patient and confident. This process takes time, but we are moving forward. I believe this spring will bring positive developments for all members of Kahkewistahaw.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for our Nation as we make important strides toward sovereignty. With hard work and dedication, we will achieve meaningful results together.

In short, “Chiskwa,” cows and ploughs is still on schedule for this spring.

On behalf of the KFN Council,

Chief Evan B.G. Taypotat

Chief Evan Taypotat’s New Years Message

Tansi nitotimak,

On behalf of the Kahkewistahaw First Nation leadership, I extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone as we enter 2025—a year filled with new opportunities and continued progress toward sovereignty.

Reflecting on 2024, we are deeply grateful for the hard work, dedication, and resilience shown by so many in our community. Together, we have made great strides, not just for ourselves but for the growth and strength of our entire Nation. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we are truly thankful for all that has been accomplished.

At the same time, we pause to honour and remember those who were called home to the spirit world this past year. Many special people who made a difference in our lives are now with the Creator. Their memory stays in our hearts, reminding us of their impact on us all. To the families and loved ones mourning their loss, we stand with you, offering our support as we work together to fill the spaces left behind with care and unity.

Looking forward to 2025, the Kahkewistahaw leadership remains firmly committed to advancing key goals for our Nation. This includes completing the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) project, which will bring 15 new housing units and an additional six homes to provide more families with safe and comfortable spaces to call home. We also aim to make significant progress on the next phase of development at Kahkewistahaw Landing in Saskatoon, paving the way for new opportunities and growth.

As we enter January, we eagerly await the finalized Agriculture Benefits (Cows and Ploughs) offer from the Canadian government. Once received, we will share it with our Nation for review before moving forward with a ratification vote. Receiving an offer of $133 million is a significant milestone, benefiting our membership and the Nation as a whole. This marks an important step forward, and we remain dedicated to advocating for the best interests of our community.

The year ahead holds so much promise. We will continue to guide Kahkewistahaw First Nation toward a bright and prosperous future with determination and transparency. Together, we can build opportunities to benefit today’s members and future generations.

On behalf of Councillor Iris Taypotat-Scribe, Councillor William Kaysaywaysemat, Councillor Mike Bob, Councillor Cory Alexson, and the 2,374 members of our strong and vibrant Nation, we wish you all a Happy New Year!

May 2025 bring you joy, success, and a future filled with opportunities and blessings.

Kinaskomitinan,

Chief Evan.B.G.Taypotat