The Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation and the federal government have settled a historic land claim dispute.
The First Nation claimed Canada breached its fiduciary and statutory obligations relating to the surrender of 18,352 acres of reserve lands in 1909.
“Now we have an opportunity to bring prosperity to our people and homelands, we invest in ourselves so the future generations will grow up proud to be from Muscowpetung,” said Chief Melissa Tavita in a statement.
The settlement agreement provides total compensation of $150 million and includes an addition to reserve option of up to 18,352 acres.
“This settlement agreement marks the start of a new relationship with Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation. We recognize our responsibility to acknowledge the past and address the wrongs we have committed. Reconciliation and a better future – these are our goals for everyone in Canada,” explained Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree.
The First Nation ratified the settlement with an approval of a 99.8 percent vote.