SIKSIKA TRUST

In 2002, the $73.5 million Siksika Acreage Discrepancy Claim Settlement Agreement was signed between Canada and Siksika Nation. The Settlement Agreement provided compensation for the unlawful surrender of 12,522 acres of Siksika Reserve lands in 1910.

The Siksika Trust was established to manage funds from this settlement.

The settlement, correcting what was diplomatically called a historical “mistake,” provided Siksika with compensation for damages and losses resulting from a flawed land surrender.

The Trust annually pays net income to the Nation per the Revenue Account Bylaw. Thirty percent (30%) of the Annual Income is reinvested, while the remaining net income is allocated as follows:

50%

to the Siksika Community Account

35%

to the Siksika Economic Development Account

15%

to the Siksika Claims Account

Heritage Trust

In 1910, Canada transferred 2,335.8 acres of Siksika reserve land to the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) for the Bassano Dam. The land was later moved to the Eastern Irrigation District in 1935. In 1980, federal officials acknowledged the lack of historical proof that CPR had acquired rights to the land before starting construction on the Bassano Dam.

The Trust, governed by the Trust Agreement, aims to fulfill specific Siksika objectives by investing Trust Property and generating a sustainable income for the long-term benefit of the Siksika Nation. A one-time per capita distribution occurred in 2010, and permitted uses of the Trust Property include authorized investments, annual payments, loan payments, loan guarantees, and approved expenses.

Ma’tapiiks Trust

Siksika Nation established the Ma’tapiiks Trust to receive the settlement funds from the 2021 Global Settlement Agreement with Canada. The Trust is administered by the Royal Trust Corporation of Canada for the benefit of Siksika Nation. The Nation can also deposit other funds into the Trust in the future.

The rules for the administration of the Trust are set out in the Ma’tapiiks Trust Agreement and ensures settlement money is protected, tax-free and used for the benefit of our people today, and for our future generations.

The funding streams within the Ma’tapiiks Trust include:

Community Development Fund
Distribution Fund
Land Fund
Legacy Fund

The Community Trust framework provides Nation members with more involvement in the trust & provides more flexibility as to how the Trust dollars are allocated.

Ma’tapiiks Trust Roles & Responsibilities

Trustees:

The Trustees are responsible for the management of Trust assets, including custody, allocation, and distribution of funds to Members. Trustees ensure tax efficiency and maintain detailed financial records through regular audits and timely tax filings. They oversee the payment of Authorized Expenses, provide performance reporting, and collaborate with partners on approved loans.

Ohkinniinaa ki Niinaaks (Chief & Council):

Ohkinniinaa ki Niinaaks holds key oversight responsibilities for financial strategy and investment governance, including confirming the Annual Allocation Plan (prepared by Treasury Board and with Community consultation), developing the Land Acquisition Strategy, and approving documentation for permitted Trust Distributions. They also maintain full authority over investment management, including the power to select or terminate Investment Managers and approve the Investment Policy that guides all investment decisions.

Siksika Community Members:

Provide input through consultation on the Annual Allocation Plan (once every three years) and Land Acquisition Strategy.

Investment Managers:

The Investment Manager(s) are responsible for strategically investing Trust Property in accordance with the Investment Policy and Investment Management Agreement, making proactive decisions while carefully managing both opportunities and risks. They report on investment performance, and demonstrate ongoing compliance with Investment Policy parameters and risk constraints.