A nearly $8 billion settlement between the federal government and First Nations who launched a class-action lawsuit over clean drinking water has been reached. The announcement of the agreement in principle was made Friday.  

The agreement in principle, which still needs to be approved by the courts, was announced by the Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Neskantaga First Nation, along with Minister of Indigenous Services Marc Miller. The agreement addresses concerns identified by the First Nations in terms of clean drinking water. It includes $1.5 billion in compensation for individuals, the creation of a $400 million First Nation Economic and Cultural Restoration Fund, the commitment of at least $6 billion to support reliable access to safe drinking water and planned modernization of Canada's First Nations drinking water legislation.  

There are currently three long-term drinking water advisories affecting First Nations in Saskatchewan and 27 short-term drinking water advisories. The short-term advisories include 26 boil water advisories, as well as a do not consume advisory for Zagime Anishinabek First Nation. Across the country, there are 51 long-term drinking water advisories affecting 32 First Nations.