AFN Hoping To Force Ottawa’s Hand On Large Claims
Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 13:17
The Assembly of First Nations is hosting a strategy session in Ottawa today on how to force the government to settle land claims worth over $150 million.
The meeting involves a number of Aboriginal groups with large claims that have yet to be settled throught the current system.
AFN policy expert Tonio Sadik says while the Tories has introduced very effective legislation to settle claims under $150 million, the same can’t be said for larger claims — and that’s a problem.
He says First Nations with very large claims currently don’t have access to an independent tribunal for a binding decision.
Sadik says some bands aren’t sure whether to continue working within the current system or to turn to the courts.
He says today’s meeting is partially aimed at answering that question.