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In October 2013, the nation signed a deal with the province that gives Tsuu T’ina a $275 million lump sum, and another $65 million to move homes. According to federal figures tallied last month, Tsuu T’ina has a total registered population of 2,227 (including off-reserve people, who will be included in the payout).

Halving the $275 million lump sum and dividing it by 2,227 means an estimated payout of $61,742.25 per person. Littlelight said the Herald’s calculations are not far from the reality, though the actual figures will be published within the reserve before being made public.

“The big part is privacy and security, so that no one gets the wrong idea out there that natives are walking around with this type of money in their pocket; it’s just not true,” said Littlelight.

Meanwhile, the $137.5 million legacy fund can only be tapped through a band referendum. “It sets a standard, and it alleviates stereotypes that First Nations mismanage [money],” said Littlelight.

He added that a lot of the payout will go to goods and services in oil-struck Calgary.

“It’s kind of a cash injection into the city, a positive one. It’s not the billions the oil industry brings, but it is something for Calgary.”

Meanwhile, the province has until May 2022 to get the Southwest Ring Road operational.

The project was last in the news on May 15, when the federal government approved the deal, leaving one last step: the sign-off from Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Bernard Valcourt.