There are nine communities that are part of the apology that took place at Whitecap Dakota First Nation Monday.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree says they are in bilateral discussions with many of them in terms of next steps including self-government and potentially modern treaties. He says there is a compensation piece as well, but no dollar amount was specified.

Canada labelled the Dakota and Lakota as refugees and because Ottawa viewed them as American, they were not included in treaty negotiations which meant they were not part of treaty compensation.

Minister Gary Anandasangaree found the apology emotional to deliver. “For me because I was looking at the faces of the people who were impacted. And I also reflected on what it felt like for me as someone who came to Canada as a refugee. Because Canada is home to many who have sought refuge here. But in this particular case there’s a sharp contrast because these are people who have for Millenia have called this home, this is their rightful home, this is their rightful place. But to be deemed to be an outsider in their own home I think is deeply hurtful and deeply troubling,” explained Anandasangaree.”

Whitecap Dakota First Nation signed a self-government agreement with Canada in 2023, which officially recognized them as Aboriginal Peoples under the Constitution.