Tsuu T'ina, Alberta (July 6, 2013) – Today, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Chief Roy Whitney-Onespot of the Tsuu T'ina Nation joined community members at a special ceremony to celebrate the final settlement of three specific claims related to past transactions involving the Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary, Alberta.
Our Government has made real progress in the resolution of specific claims, and the agreement with the Tsuu T'ina Nation provides another great example of what we can accomplish by working together with First Nations,
said Minister Valcourt. Settlement agreements create new opportunities for economic growth that can lead to a brighter future for First Nations and all Canadians.
On behalf of Tsuu T'ina citizens, and my Council colleagues, and particularly our elders, I want to thank the Government of Canada, the Minister and his department for coming to the table respectfully and completing this land claim settlement,
said Chief Roy Whitney-Onespot. The settlement resolves a longstanding issue for our people and was accomplished through patient negotiation by Tsuu T'ina Chiefs and Councils before me. The settlement will aid in the Nation's goal of economic self-sufficiency over the long term.
Under the settlement agreement, Canada is providing the Tsuu T'ina Nation with $20.8 million in financial compensation to resolve three claims known collectively as the Glenmore Reservoir specific claims. The claims relate to three separate transactions involving the Glenmore Reservoir in the 1930s in which the Tsuu T'ina Nation did not receive adequate compensation. The settlements highlight the Government of Canada's commitment to righting past wrongs through the resolution of specific claims, while contributing to the creation of jobs and economic growth in First Nation communities and surrounding areas.
Canada is working with First Nation partners across the country to achieve results at negotiating tables for the benefit of all Canadians. Negotiating claim agreements is key to achieving reconciliation and rebuilding relationships with First Nation people in Canada. Since 2007, Canada has settled close to 100 specific claims.
Up-to-date information on this and all other specific claims can be found on the Status Report for Specific Claims.
Backgrounder: Glenmore Reservoir Specific Claims Settlements
Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Cam Hantiuk
Tsuu T'ina Nation
587-989-1528
Cam.hantiuk@cdnstrategygroup.com
