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WINNIPEG, MANITOBA (August 20, 2007) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced that Canada's New Government surpassed its 2006-2007 commitment to transfer 150,000 acres of land to Manitoba First Nations as part of its Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) agreements.
"Last year Canada's New Government made a commitment to First Nations in Manitoba to take action on the province's unacceptable backlog in Treaty Land Entitlement settlement agreements, and we set an ambitious target of 150,000 acres per year for four years," said Minister Strahl. "Today I am proud to report that not only have we lived up to our commitment, but we have surpassed our goal by transferring more than 159,000 acres."
At the Annual General Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Minister Chuck Strahl confirmed that over 159,185 acres of land have been converted to reserve status since August 22, 2006 under Treaty Land Entitlement agreements. The conversion of this land fulfills the first year of a four-year commitment made by the federal and provincial governments to transfer 150,000 acres per year to Manitoba First Nations. Fulfillment of this commitment is good not only for First Nations, but for Manitobans, as it helps create strong foundations on which to grow local economies.
"Congratulations to all the parties - federal, provincial and First Nation - who have made this success possible," remarked the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for the riding of Provencher (Manitoba). "The additions of these lands to First Nation communities can help foster stronger economies and bring economic benefits to surrounding areas as well."
Between 1871 and 1910, most First Nations in Manitoba signed the numbered treaties with Canada. In Manitoba, the majority of First Nations received their entire land allocations under the treaties; however, some did not.
To address this shortfall, Canada, Manitoba and 28 Manitoba First Nations negotiated agreements. Under these agreements, Canada and Manitoba committed to adding up to 1.3 million acres to First Nation reserve lands and paying more than $204 million in compensation. The majority of the land (1,085,959 acres) is being transferred to First Nations from unoccupied Crown land. The balance is being acquired from private land owners on a willing seller/willing buyer basis.
Status Report on TLE Obligations in Manitoba
Frequently Asked Questions - Manitoba Treaty Land Entitlement
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Ted Yeomans
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 997-0002
INAC Media Relations
(819) 953-1160
