Ref. #2-3526
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (July 28, 2011) - The Government of Canada and the Roseau River First Nation announced today the final settlement of a longstanding land claim in southern Manitoba. The negotiated settlement provides the First Nation with $80 million to resolve the claim.
“Our government is committed to working with First Nations to resolve claims in a timely manner and to the benefit of First Nations and all Canadians,” said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. “I congratulate Roseau River First Nation on working with our government to resolve this longstanding claim. The settlement of this claim will open up investment and economic opportunities and encourage new partnerships for Roseau River First Nation and neighbouring communities.”
“This is a historic day, a day when a longstanding injustice has been addressed. One hundred and eight years ago, in January 1903, Roseau River lost 12 sections of our lands or nearly 60% of our reserve. We first filed our 1903 Surrender claim in 1982. For over one hundred years this injustice has plagued our people,” said Chief Terrance Nelson of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation. “For Minister Duncan to sign the $80 million settlement and the Conservative Government of Canada to have authorized this settlement is indeed, a time to say thank you to Prime Minister Harper and his government for being honourable in their dealings with the Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation.”
This claim settlement was achieved through negotiation under Canada's Specific Claims Policy, a voluntary process that provides First Nations with more choice and fairness.
The negotiated Settlement Agreement was approved by First Nation members in a vote on February 8, 2011. The First Nation members also approved a Trust Agreement that sets out the First Nation's plans to use and manage its settlement dollars. Canada recently approved the Settlement Agreement. The Roseau River First Nation's claim related to the 1903 surrender and sale of approximately 12 sections of land from the Roseau River Reserve No. 2. Negotiations continue to be Canada's first choice for resolving specific claims. Land is not taken away from anyone to settle any claims, nor is anyone asked to sell their land unwillingly.
The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to resolve outstanding land claims for the benefit of all Canadians. Settling claims through negotiated agreements supports a stronger relationship with First Nation people in Canada. Since 2007, Canada has successfully addressed 446 specific claims.
The Roseau River First Nation is located approximately 80 kilometres south of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and has approximately 2,325 members
Fact Sheet - Roseau River First Nation's 1903 Specific Claim
Minister's Office
Michelle Yao
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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