The #GC, @IndigenousON and @1850RHTreaty Leadership mark key milestone toward renewed treaty relationship @GCIndigenous

“In 2012, 21 First Nations in the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory came together to hold the governments of Canada and Ontario accountable through the courts, but we know reconciliation cannot be achieved in the courtroom. Canada and Ontario heard us and met us at the negotiation table to make this proposed settlement a reality.”

Spokesperson Duke Peltier
Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory

“We have been calling on Canada and Ontario to honour the commitments they made in the Treaty for the last 170 years. Our communities have struggled economically, culturally, and socially because of this breach of Treaty. The compensation from this settlement will ensure a stronger and brighter future for our People and our Nations.  The Treaty provides a framework for peaceful coexistence and sharing of resources. We see this settlement as an opportunity to show the commitment of both Canada and Ontario to respect and implement our rights affirmed in the Treaty.”

Chief Dean Sayers,
Batchewana First Nation

“I would like to offer my congratulations to the people of the Robinson Huron Treaty on having reached this historic settlement. While there is still work to be done, today's announcement reflects the efforts made over many years to ensure the collective treaty rights of the Anishinabe people of the 21 Robinson Huron First Nations are finally acknowledged and respected. My team and I are looking forward to visiting the communities in the coming weeks to share information about the settlement and hear directly from the members about how they want to see the terms of the settlement implemented in a way that will strengthen their communities today and for future generations of Anishinaabe people.”

Hon. Harry LaForme, 
Office of the Mizhinawe for Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

“The proposed settlement is long overdue. For over a century, the Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations have asked Canada to address broken promises, and work on building trust. This is an important opportunity to deliver on an unfulfilled treaty promise and pay an outstanding debt to the First Nations that dates back to 1850. We look forward to advancing this important work together toward shared solutions that address past wrongs and strengthen our treaty relationship for the future.”

The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations

“Today’s announcement of a proposed settlement is an important step in settling historic annuities through respectful and meaningful negotiations. Ontario is committed to renewing this important treaty relationship, and we would like to thank everyone involved as we continue to advance reconciliation and prosperity for Indigenous peoples.”

The Honourable Greg Rickford
Minister of Indigenous Affairs
Government of Ontario

• In 2014, the First Nations filed litigation relating to Treaty annuities against the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

• In 2018, the Ontario Superior Court found that the Crown is obligated to increase the annuities provided under the Robinson Treaties to reflect the net revenue the Crown receives from resources harvested in the Treaty territory.

• The proposed settlement announced today is focused only on the resolution of claims related to past annuities.

• Much work remains to be done before this proposed settlement can be concluded. This includes the consultation process with First Nation members and beneficiaries led by the Office of the Mizhinawe.

• The governments of Canada and Ontario will also need to complete their own internal review processes to seek approval to sign the proposed settlement.

• The proposed settlement will not be final until it is approved by all parties and the claim for past compensation has been discontinued on consent of the parties and by order of the Ontario Superior Court.

• The parties look forward to continuing to work together toward shared solutions for the benefit of First Nations communities and all Canadians. This includes exploring forward-looking arrangements on Treaty annuities.

Associated links

• Robinson-Huron Treaty Litigation Fund
• Litigation Document Archive
• Office of the Mizhinawe

For more information, media may contact:

Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund media contact:
Shreya Jhunjhunwala
media@emdashagency.ca
204-963-7023

Aïssatou Diop
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
aissatou.diop@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Media Relations
Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca

Erika Robson
Minister’s Office
Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, Government of Ontario
Erika.Robson@ontario.ca
416-450-1309

Flavia Mussio
Communications Branch
Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, Government of Ontario
Flavia.Mussio@ontario.ca
416-574-4057

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