February 7, 2005 Chief Blaine Commandant of the Wahta Mohawks, the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and the Honourable Michael Bryant, Ontario Minister Responsible for Native Affairs today announced the settlement of a land claim dating back to 1918. Chief Blaine Commandant stated that he is "pleased that this long outstanding claim has now been settled." In his statement, Chief Commandant acknowledged the citizens of Wahta for never losing confidence that this claim would one day be resolved. Chief Commandant also paid tribute to all of the elected Chiefs and Councils that have participated in the negotiation process throughout the years to achieve this settlement. "In addition to righting a past wrong, this settlement has helped to strengthen existing relationships between the parties and will open up new economic opportunities that will enhance the Wahta Mohawk community and local economies," said Minister Scott. "It shows what can be achieved when federal, provincial and First Nation partners sit down at the negotiating table and resolve their differences through a dialogue that is based on mutual respect, co-operation and the shared goal of putting the past behind us through agreements that help to build a better future for all concerned." "Resolving land claims in a timely fashion is a priority for this government. The quality of life of all Ontarians improves when we have strong and prosperous Aboriginal communities," said Minister Bryant. "The Ontario government is committed to ensuring that land claim settlements address the interests and concerns of the people who live and work in the claim area. The resolution of the Wahta Mohawk land claim will help build a stronger economy for the community." The settlement consists of approximately $9.7 million in financial compensation plus 8,300 acres (3,300 hectares) of provincial Crown land, which Canada has agreed to set aside as reserve land, subject to the terms and conditions of its Additions to Reserves Policy. The lands to be transferred to the First Nation under the settlement are located adjacent to the existing Wahta Mohawk Territory (the Gibson Reserve). All property owners rights of access to their land, along with public roads and public access to nearby lakes, are protected under the settlement. All affected interests were consulted extensively during the negotiation process. "This settlement is the result of a lot of hard work and lengthy discussion, but has also been shaped by an extensive consultation process," said the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Member of Parliament for Parry Sound- Muskoka. "I would like to congratulate all parties for pulling together to resolve this claim; it will bring many benefits to the region and shows that negotiations are the key to resolving our differences." The provincial and federal governments are committed to working co-operatively with First Nations to resolve land claims through negotiated agreements. Land claim settlements bring legal closure to the issues raised through claims, fulfil outstanding obligations and resolve any existing uncertainty about the title of land in the claim area. In addition, these agreements promote a positive environment for economic development on First Nation lands. The spin offs from such development can also have a positive economic impact on neighbouring communities. The Wahta Mohawk Territory is located in western Muskoka, near Bala, approximately 80 kilometres southeast of Parry Sound, Ontario. - 30 - For further information: Chief Blaine Commandant Wahta Mohawks (705) 756-2354 Diane Laursen INAC Media Relations (819) 994-2044 Rosemary Sampson Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat (416) 326-4780 This news release and backgrounder are also available on the Internet at: www.inac.gc.ca and http://www.nativeaffairs.jus.gov.on.ca
