The Vote and Frequently Asked Questions

The settlement agreement had to be ratified through a referendum vote by 25% plus one where all eligible voters vote in favour of the settlement agreement. The outcome of the vote was 510 in favour, and 5 not in favour, therefore the referendum was passed.

No. Esk’etemc will not be giving up any Title or Rights. This claim is only for the loss of water rights.

If there was a no vote then a referendum would have been held to determine if membership wanted us to continue to move forward and to keep negotiating this specific claim, or whether they wish to return to this Specific Claim sometime in the future.

To receive a Tsqewt distribution payment, the applicant must be a living registered Esk’etemc member as of July 4, 2025.

The Tsqewt distribution amount will not affect any future Esk’etemc funding or sponsorship supports for members.

Given the considerable number of applications received for the Tsqewt distribution payment, Esk’etemc staff are thoroughly reviewing all Tsqewt enrollment application forms to verify eligibility for payment. Confirmation emails are expected to go out beginning the week of July 6, 2025. 

All registered Esk’etemc minor members are eligible to be enrolled in the Minors Trust established between Esk’etemc and the BMO Trust Company, which will hold the minors’ distribution payments until they reach their majority birthday. Upon receiving the minor’s information, providing that they are a registered Esk’etemc member as of July 4, 2025, or have applied to Indigenous Service Canada to become a member by July 4, 2025, and subsequently are granted membership status, they will be enrolled into the Minors Trust. 

We are unclear as to the situation.  Does your child have Indian status and is registered on the Esk’etemc membership list?  If so, does your spouse have Esk’etemc membership? 

That is not an option. The Minors Trust is set up as a segregated account with the BMO Trust Company; there has been legal documentation ratified that ensures this fund is not accessible to the band. All eligible Esk'etemc minors' funds will be safe and only provided to them.

The distribution payment application specifically references Tsqewt, and additionally states, “I release Esk’etemc from any obligation to make additional payments to me through its Tsqewt Distribution Program and will not make any demands for Esk’etemc to do so.” Yes, you are signing to say that you will not demand further payments from the Tsqewt settlement funds.

Email the Esk'etemc Specific Claims team at SpecificClaims@esketemc.ca or phone 250-440-5611 ext 221.