Canada and Treaty One First Nations reach milestone on the future of Kapyong Barracks

News release

April 11, 2018  – Winnipeg, Manitoba – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Government of Canada and the Treaty One First Nations reached an important milestone on the road to reconciliation and renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples, with the signing of an Agreement in Principle for the former Kapyong Barracks property in Winnipeg.

Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr joined Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation; Chief Jim Bear, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation; Chief Glenn Hudson, Peguis First Nation; Chief Craig Alexander, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation; Chief Derrick Henderson, Sagkeeng First Nation; Chief Lance Roulette, Sandy Bay First Nation; and Chief Francine Meeches, Swan Lake First Nation in a signing ceremony in Winnipeg. The Agreement in Principle will be used to develop a Final Settlement Agreement, which will include terms for the sale and future use of the Kapyong Barracks land.

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the Kapyong Barracks property to the Treaty One First Nations, and remains committed to working together in a spirit of reconciliation and renewal toward a final agreement.

Additional multimedia

Minister Sajjan and Minister Carr with Treaty One First Nations Chiefs on the Kapyong Barracks land.

Quotes

“Kapyong represents a bright future for all Indigenous people and in the Spirit of Treaty One, we will undertake to make sure as we have always done to protect our Treaty Relationship with the Crown.”

Chief Dennis Meeches, Treaty One First Nations Spokesperson, Long Plain First Nation

“It is now being understood that reconciliation is necessary for the continued harmony of existence among all our Nations. We do not take from the land without understanding completely the consequence of our actions. Our Nation is pleased to have achieved the intentions of our ancestors...for us to continue to benefit from the land and for us to be responsible stewards of the land. ‘We are of the soil and fit into the landscape, for the hand that fashioned the continent also fashioned surroundings. We grew as naturally as the wild sunflowers and belong just as the buffalo belonged…’ ~ Luther Standing Bear.”

Chief Jim Bear, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation

“The undertaking negotiations and ultimate agreement of Kapyong to our people represents repatriation of our traditional lands in Treaty One Territory, where the original signing of the numbered treaties among two Nations took place, our Indigenous ancestors and Canada.  Today’s Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg must be ready to bridge the cultural divide through the repatriation of our lands and working together with Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord, Manitoba’s Treaty Land Entitlement Agreements and Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation. Reconciliation at Kapyong represents opportunity and offers a new way of living together. We are ready Canada are you?”

Chief Glenn Hudson, Peguis First Nation

“This remarkable achievement has been a long time coming for our First Nations in Treaty One Territory. The hardships that our Treaty One First Nations have endured and had to battle through to get us to this point, has made us stronger and united. The end goal is owed to our past and present leadership who have finally come to terms with Canada to an agreement that will enable a path forward to Economic Development for our respective First Nations. We still have work to do in order to come to a final Comprehensive Agreement that will allow us that economic freedom that we can enjoy as a collective. It’s been great working alongside our Chiefs and Councils to achieve this monumental task and I look forward to the future and as to what we can accomplish at the Kapyong Lands.”

Chief Craig AlexanderRoseau River Anishinabe First Nation

“As long as the Sun shines, the Rivers flow and the Grass grows. In the era of reconciliation, Kapyong is just one small step forward toward true recognition and affirmation of First Nation's inherent and Treaty Rights. This will give our Indigenous people business and economic opportunities, as we deserve the same as all Canadians that enjoy our resources and land. Today we reclaim and live our independence now with our ancestors leading the way.” 

Chief Derrick Henderson, Sagkeeng First Nation

“As we move forward, we have felt with our hearts, not our eyes. We have moved as a United Front, as we the Treaty Family, have spoken as A Nation for our Nations.”
            
Chief Lance Roulette, Sandy Bay First Nation

“We have succeeded, Kapyong as Treaty One. This has always been about the future of our people. There is more to come.”

Chief Francine Meeches, Swan Lake First Nation

“I am grateful that we are taking one more step forward in our journey toward reconciliation. This Agreement in Principle is the result of many years of negotiation and dialogue, and is an important milestone in transferring the Kapyong Barracks lands.”

Minister of National Defence, Harjit S. Sajjan

“As a Winnipegger and a Minister of the Crown, I am proud to be part of this important event. We will continue to work together with Treaty One First Nations in the spirit of reconciliation, as we build healthy and inclusive communities from coast to coast to coast."

Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, Jim Carr

Quick facts

  • Formerly part of Canadian Forces Base/17 Wing Winnipeg, the Kapyong Barracks property is comprised of approximately 65 hectares of land and 40 buildings.

  • The Kapyong Barracks land was used by the Canadian Armed Forces until 2004, when Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry moved to Canadian Forces Base Shilo.

  • The terms of the Agreement in Principle will be used to guide the development of a Final Settlement Agreement that respects the interests of all parties.

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Contacts

Anita Wilson
Treaty One Media Coordinator
Phone: 204-770-4285
Email: afvwilson@gmail.com

Byrne Furlong
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: byrne.furlong@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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