Moving Forward Together: Land Claims and Reconciliation

The resolution of land claims is primarily a federal responsibility. Sometimes, the province has a role due to its involvement in the historical events giving rise to claims, or because of the impact of claims on the management of lands and natural resources in the province. The province's preferred approach to the resolution of land claims is by negotiations combined with public consultation. Working with Aboriginal communities, the federal government and municipalities, the province strives to achieve enduring and constructive solutions. We work to help create certainty over lands and resources, reconcile interests on land issues and partner to improve the land claim review and resolution process.

Children riding their bikes along the Albany River in Kashechewan First Nation near James Bay.

Land Claim Settlements and Negotiations

Since 2003, Ontario has signed seven agreements to settle land claims and land-related issues at Hunter's Point, Rainy River and Sand Point, with the Lake Nipigon Ojibway, Michipicoten, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (Turton Penn), and the Wahta Mohawks. Negotiations have started with the Chapleau Cree and Chapleau Ojibway First Nations on treaty land entitlement claims. A negotiations framework agreement has been signed with the Stanijikoming First Nation and Canada to work towards resolution of a treaty land entitlement claim.

Creation of New Reserve Land

Under the provisions of the Land and Larger Land Base Framework Agreement, Ontario has transferred 1,270 hectares of provincial Crown lands to the Government of Canada to create the Lake Nipigon reserve. This new land base is located on the south shore of Partridge Lake, approximately 2½ hours northeast of Thunder Bay. This agreement was put in place to address the circumstances of First Nations with small reserves or no reserve land. It is a good example of how establishing reserve land can stimulate economic development and, in this instance, is helping to build a brighter future for the Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek First Nation.

Sam George with Minister Brad Duguid at the dedication of the Sam George Resource Library at MAA

Sam George, who passed away in June 2009, with Minister Brad Duguid at the dedication of the Sam George Resource Library at the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs in November 2008. Mr. George was an Aboriginal activist whose 10-year fight for justice resulted in an inquiry into the death of his brother Dudley at Ipperwash Provincial Park. Mr. George was invested into the Order of Ontario.

Plans for Ipperwash Park

The process of transferring Ipperwash park ownership to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation – discussed in the Ipperwash Inquiry report – has started and negotiations on the future use of the park are well underway. A framework agreement signed by the Government of Ontario and the First Nation on May 28, 2009 marked real progress toward this goal.

A joint Ipperwash Park Resolution Table has been formed with the First Nation to develop a plan with the local community for how the land will be used and managed until the transfer of the park is complete.