Ottawa, Ontario (October 6, 2010) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians today announced that Canada has settled an outstanding claim with the Peguis First Nation. The settlement includes $126 million in financial compensation, making it one of the largest of its kind achieved to date across the country.
"We have found a win-win solution that not only rights a past wrong but also creates new economic opportunities for the future," said Minister Duncan. "This successful outcome shows that Canada is delivering on its commitment to resolve these longstanding issues."
"Although it took 10 years to negotiate, we are pleased to confirm this settlement will finally be completed," said Chief Hudson of the Peguis First Nation. "The compensation will be invested by our Trust, generating benefits and opportunity for our community forever."
This settlement was achieved through negotiation under Canada'sSpecific Claims Policy. The negotiated Settlement Agreement was approved by First Nation members in a community ratification vote on June 13, 2009. The First Nation members also approved a Trust Agreement that set out the First Nation's plans to use and manage its settlement dollars. Canada signed the Settlement Agreement on September 27, 2010.
This is a financial settlement, and does not have a land component. The settlement brings closure to a longstanding dispute tied to a land transaction that took place in 1907.
"By settling this claim, Canada is honouring an outstanding obligation owed to the First Nation," said Mr. James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake. "This claim settlement will mark a new beginning for the Peguis First Nation and bring new opportunities for the community that can make a real difference in the lives of its members."
Peguis First Nation has approximately 8,778 members and is located 170 kilometres north of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
