Signing of the Mohawks of Akwesasne's Kawehnoke (Cornwall Island) Specific Claim
Mohawks of Akwesasne (near Cornwall, Ontario)
October 17, 2012
Check against delivery.
Elders, Grand Chief Mitchell, members of the Council of Akwesasne, community members, ladies and gentlemen. It is a great honour for me to join you in this special ceremony today.
I feel particularly privileged when I am invited to participate in ceremonies of this kind, and I would like to take this occasion to extend my congratulations to the leadership and every member of your community on this historic claim settlement. There is real cause for celebration here today, because resolving specific claims can open many doors to a brighter, more prosperous future for First Nations and their surrounding communities.
Since 2007 we've settled over 80 specific claims representing over $1 billion through negotiated agreements. Many of these claims had been unresolved for more than 20 years.
Today, we are celebrating the conclusion of the Kawehnoke Specific Claim – a claim dealing with the occupation of a portion of Cornwall Island and the absence of revenues for that occupation. This negotiated settlement works to repair any harm that was caused and settles this matter between us in the spirit of Friendship, Peace and Respect. Today, as we celebrate the conclusion of this longstanding claim, we recognize that a past wrong has now been righted.
This historic settlement is also the product of remarkable collaboration and determination. So I want to express my appreciation for the hard work and efforts of the negotiators on both sides, Grand Chief Mitchell and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Resolving these claims is not an easy process – it takes patience, open-mindedness, and a mutual willingness to find a common solution. All of these qualities were brought to bear on these negotiations, and they helped to ensure we successfully achieved our goal together.
This historic agreement includes about $5 million in financial compensation from our Government. Claims like this one not only honour legal obligations, but also provide First Nations with the capital to invest in new opportunities for economic development, job creation and new business partnerships, creating the conditions for healthier, more self-sufficient communities.
Other developments that speak to the value of negotiation to your community are key milestones achieved in our ongoing talks on self-government. Last spring negotiators concluded their talks on two draft Agreements-in-Principle on governance and on the management of reserve land. These are significant steps toward final self-government agreements that will ultimately give the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne greater control over the decisions that affect your community in these key areas.
We have also made joint progress by renewing an important political protocol. This protocol reaffirms our commitment to work in partnership with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne on key jurisdictional and development issues for the benefit of the community.
The protocol also sets out the responsibilities and processes necessary to address your unique development issues in terms of health care, security, social services and economic development.
I am sure everyone would agree that this historic claim settlement is proof of what can be accomplished by negotiations conducted in good faith. When there is a firm resolve on all sides to find a common solution, claim talks can deliver results for First Nations, and for all Canadians.
Thank you.
