Fort William First Nation members to examine Canada and Ontario offer for land claims
Canada, Ontario offer to settle land claim with Fort William First Nation
Fri Nov 19 2010
The Ontario government says talks to resolve a long-standing First Nations land claim in the northwestern part of the province have reached a “major milestone.”
The Canadian and Ontario governments have made an offer to settle a boundary claim with Fort William First Nation near Thunder Bay.
The province announced the proposed settlement in a news release Friday, calling it a “significant step forward.”
The proposal includes about $154 million in financial compensation to be paid to the First Nation, and the transfer to Canada of provincial Crown lands on two islands in Lake Superior — Flatland Island and Pie Island — to be set apart as a reserve.
The chief and council have agreed to take the offer to the community of about 1,880 people for a vote on Jan. 22.
If the vote is in favour, the agreement must be approved by the provincial and federal governments before it can be finalized.
Canada’s share of the compensation money would be about $149 million, while Ontario’s share is about $5 million.
Settlement of the claim would resolve a historic grievance dating back to the early 1850s, the province said.
The boundary claim was submitted to Canada in 1986 and to Ontario in 1987.
As in such agreements elsewhere in Canada, private land is not taken away from anyone to settle any claims, nor is anyone asked to sell their land unwillingly, the release says.
“Like all negotiations, there have been ups and downs, but we have worked tirelessly towards a resolution that will benefit present-day members and future generations,” said Peter Collins, chief of Fort William First Nation.
“The settlement will also provide the resources that our First Nation needs to create businesses, employment and other opportunities for the long term which will benefit our members and the entire Thunder Bay area.”
The federal government has also moved closer to a resolution of the First Nation’s outstanding Neebing Surrender Specific Claim, which involves financial compensation only.
Negotiators for Canada and the First Nation have recently completed a draft agreement in that claim, which includes a payment of about $22 million. That vote is set for Dec. 4.
The Canadian Press