KI First Nation taking a new approach to treaty land entitlement claim due to time taken
KI First Nations drops treaty land entitlement claim
The Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation has abandoned its treaty land entitlement claim.
KI Chief Donny Morris says the decision to drop the claim is in response to a process that was taking too long.
The land claim process began following the high profile arrest and incarceration of six KI leaders, including Chief Morris, in 2008. The band had objected to the Platinex Mining company staking claims near Big Trout Lake, which KI claimed was their traditional territory.
The entitlement claim was pursued soon after the KI members were released from prison.
Morris says after watching a BC First Nation win its land claim in the Supreme Court this summer, they've decided to go a different route.
Morris says once the Land Use Documentation is complete, a committee will vote on it.
He adds that a vote will likely take place in early 2016.