PEGUIS FIRST NATION, MB (July 17, 2008) – Today the Governments of Canada and Manitoba, and the Peguis First Nation celebrated a final settlement that resolves an outstanding land claim. Chief Glenn Hudson of the Peguis First Nation, Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Oscar Lathlin, Manitoba Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, joined community members at a special ceremony today to mark this historic event.
"This settlement shows what can be achieved when we work together to find common solutions," said Mr. Bruinooge who attended the event on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "Negotiated settlements open the door to new opportunities for investment in a brighter future, bringing economic benefits and certainty for all concerned."
"Manitoba remains fully committed to the transfer of lands to First Nations, such as Peguis, as an on-going process to help strengthen these communities," said Minister Lathlin. "We continue to make good progress on the work to complete the transfer of a total of 1.2 million acres of selected land, to the Government of Canada, as part of this process."
"The signing ceremony for the Peguis Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement is one element of the sacredness of Treaty," said Chief Glenn Hudson. "It is the fulfillment of the treaty promise to land and now we can begin the process of implementation resulting in a greater land base for all Peguis members."
The settlement will bring lasting benefits and certainty to all area residents. Under the settlement, Canada provides the Peguis First Nation with about $64 million in financial compensation.
The Peguis First Nation community is located approximately 150 kilometres north of Winnipeg. The First Nation has approximately 8,339 registered members, with 3,527 members living on reserve and 4,812 residing off reserve.
Fact Sheet: Peguis First Nation's Treaty Land Entitlement Claim
For further information please contact:
Josée Bellemare
Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
