FORT FRANCES, ONTARIO (May 20, 2005) - At the Rainy River First Nations (RRFNs) annual fish fry held today at Manitou Mounds, west of Fort Frances, Chief Albert Hunter of the RRFNs, the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Honourable Michael Bryant, Ontario Minister Responsible for Native Affairs and the Honourable David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, joined community members to celebrate the signing of a historic land claim settlement. The settlement resolves an outstanding grievance relating to the surrender in 1914-1915 and subsequent sale of 46,269 acres (18,725 hectares) of the First Nations' reserve land. Today's signing ceremony is a key event in a week of special festivities hosted by the RRFNs to commemorate the resolution of this 90-year-old claim. "In signing this agreement, we honour our past by remembering our ancestors and relatives who endured," said Chief Hunter. "We honour our present by paying homage to our community, our people, our leaders, and our elders who remain steadfast and proud. We honour our future by sustaining the future of our children, grandchildren and those yet born. We say to all that the legacy of the Rainy River First Nations will endure and flourish, that the spirit of renewal, of our determination and of our autonomy will likewise endure and flourish. We will continue to contribute to secure sustainable economies and to the shared values of our own citizenry and to those of our neighbours." "I am honoured to take part in this celebration and commend all those who have participated in this process for their hard work and determination in bringing this landmark settlement to fruition," said Minister Scott. "Negotiations are never easy, but as we've seen on this claim, the process of working together toward a mutually acceptable agreement can be instrumental in building stronger relationships. This agreement shows that Canada, Ontario and First Nations can work together successfully through a co-operative dialogue to put the injustices of the past behind us. This forward-looking agreement will create many new economic opportunities for the First Nations' community and represents a significant investment in the economy of Ontario." "The Rainy River land claim settlement shows how people working together can build a brighter future for their community," said Minister Bryant. "Ontario, Canada and the Rainy River First Nations worked together in a spirit of co-operation and mutual respect to bring closure to this historically significant land claim. I would also like to add my best wishes to the Rainy River First Nations community. The McGuinty government looks forward to working with Canada and the Rainy River First Nations to implement this land claim settlement." "I congratulate Chief Hunter and his community who have put long hours and hard work into the successful negotiation of this agreement," said Minister Ramsay. "The agreement will provide lasting benefits for all of the parties involved and will make an important contribution to our mutual goal of strong Aboriginal communities." Under the settlement, Canada and Ontario will provide approximately $71 million in compensation to the First Nations, including the First Nations' negotiation costs and the market value of the provincial Crown land component. The settlement also includes a commitment from Canada to set aside up to 46,269 acres (18,725 hectares) as reserve land over 40 years for the use and benefit of the RRFNs, subject to the terms and conditions of the federal Additions to Reserves Policy and the settlement agreement. About one third of this replacement reserve land is comprised of provincial Crown land, while the balance (up to approximately 31,300 acres [12,677 hectares]), will be purchased by RRFNs on a willing-seller/willing-buyer basis over 40 years. Private property is not expropriated to settle land claims and access to private property is assured. All directly affected parties were consulted extensively during the negotiation process. The settlement not only respects the interests of private landowners and other land users in the area, but will also bring lasting benefits and certainty to all area residents. "This settlement has been achieved through an open and inclusive negotiation process and will give a substantive boost to local economies," said Ken Boshcoff, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River, who also attended the event. "All parties should be congratulated on their hard work and accomplishments." The Rainy River First Nations has approximately 756 members and its reserve is located 39 kilometres west of Fort Frances, Ontario. This news release and backgrounders are also available on the Internet at: http://www.nativeaffairs.jus.gov.on.ca and www.rainyriver.firstnation.ca For more information, please contact: Chief Albert Hunter Rainy River First Nations (807) 482-2479 Greg Crone Minister Bryant's Office (416) 326-1785 Al Fleming Media Relations Officer Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (819) 997-8402 Rosemary Sampson Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat Phone: (416) 326-4780 Cell: (416) 570-8940 Backgrounder - Rainy River Land Claim Fact Sheet - Rainy River First Nations' Land Claim Information Sharing and Consultations
