Chief Taypotat & Minister Robert Nault, holding the Chief Kahkewistahaw Settlement Agreement.

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Kahkewistahaw signs long awaited settlement of 1907 Claim after the ratification vote on November 25, 2002. The settlement compensates the band for the more then 33,281 acres of land taken from the souther part of the reserve in 1907. Most of the money will be used to set up a trust fund to support economic development, land purchases and community infrastructure. The band has set aside money for a new school and housing, and looking at lands for development in nearby communities.

We are planning developments in education, economic development, and agriculture. Chief Taypotat says that historically we were farmers and ranchers, we have the opportunity to get our farmers back into place, to continue to make a living.

Now that the land claim has been settled, Chief Taypotat is thankful for all the support the Kahkewistahaw First Nation recieved. The Chief says that without help of his staff, lawyers and researchers the claims might never have been settled. He is grateful for the support and information he recieved from the Elders. Special thanks to Bill & Stephen Pillipow and their family for all their valuable assistance and support.

"Spiritually we got a lot of support from the grandfathers and grandmother for what we were trying to seek for the First Nation." Chief Taypotat says. "I want to thank all those Elders who came from far and near to give their testimonies. That is something First Nations that have claims should think of, it is the Elders who know about these things, and there is getting to be fewer Elders left. If you listen and be a good listener you will go a long ways." Chief Taypotat wanted to thank the ICC for the work they did. "I must say that they did it all right, really good. I have to commend them for their support. I could say, if it wasn't for them, we would still be fighting an uphill battle."

Listening to your elders is not the only advice Chief Taypotat has for the First Nations working towards settling their claims.

"Good planning is important. You have to have a long term plan in place so that the First Nation can make things better for the future. We need to be strong in what we say and the younger generation has to learn to listen well," Chief Taypotat says. The Chief says it is also wise to use all the resources available; this means not only taking advantage of land claims programs and policies, but also using all the people in your communities who are familiar with the history of the situation or have knowledge about the land claim process and its systems.

Chief Taypotat also advises that good planning and listening to the people applies to when a First Nation's leadership has to consider what to do with the settlement money.

"It is a one time payout. A one time deal... You have to use the money in the right way; if you don't, you just get into a rut, where you can't do anything for your First Nation. My advice for other Leaders is: do right by your claims monies."