The Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation of Saskatchewan says its members are owed $4 million because the government withheld treaty payments.

The band signed Treaty 6 in 1876. It promised each member $5 every year.

But the government withheld the money from 1885 to 1885 because it accused the band of participating in a rebellion. Elder Angus Esperance says her people had nothing to do with the uprising.

"The $5 payment was withheld. They had nothing to live on," Esperance , told CBC News. "The Indian people were starving. They were dying."

A lawyer says the government withheld about $4,000 for the time period in question. With interest, the claim comes to about $4 million.

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Indian band seeks $4M for missed $5 payments in 1880s (CBC 7/28)