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Overview: What is the Algonquin Land Claim About?

The Algonquin claim is based on assertions of Aboriginal rights, which means that these negotiations address matters such as possible rights and title to land and natural resources, including the future exercise of hunting, fishing and gathering rights within the claim area.

• Who is involved?
• Land claim territory
• What is Ontario's role?
• What are the elements of a possible claim settlement?
• What will the settlement look like?
• Recent developments

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Who is involved?

• Government of Canada
• Government of Ontario
• Algonquins of Ontario

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Land claim territory

The Algonquin land claim covers a territory of 36,000 square kilometres (8.9 million acres) that fall within the Ontario portion of the Ottawa and Mattawa River watersheds.

The area that is the subject of the Algonquin claim includes most of Algonquin Park as well as CFB Petawawa and the National Capital Region, including Parliament Hill.

Of the area within the claim territory, approximately 59 per cent is privately held patented land, 21 per cent of the land mass is within Algonquin Park, 16 per cent is land held by Ontario as public lands and by provincial Crown corporations, and four per cent is federal Crown land.

This is the geographically largest and one of the most complex native land claims in Ontario under active negotiation. More than a million people reside and work within the claim territory.

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What is Ontario's role?

Ontario represents the broad provincial interests as well as the interests of non-Algonquin people who may be affected by the settlement agreement

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What are the elements of a possible claim settlement?

A settlement may include economic development initiatives, land, financial compensation, defined resource harvesting rights covering fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering, and related cultural matters.

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What will the settlement look like?

The final settlement is expected to take the form of a modern-day treaty which will provide certainty of legal title to lands in the region and will give legal force to a lasting and comprehensive settlement of all outstanding issues related to this Aboriginal claim.

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Recent developments

On August 6, 2009 Ontario, Canada and the Algonquins of Ontario issued a news release and fact sheet with information about two newly signed agreements that provide a framework to help the three negotiating parties move forward with negotiations to resolve the Algonquin land claim.

The 2009 Framework for Negotiations Agreement (PDF, 465 KB) is based on an original agreement signed by all three parties in 1994, when the negotiations were in a very early stage. The renewal of this agreement updates the parties’ understandings on the negotiation process that will guide the talks. This agreement outlines a general approach to the negotiations process, subject matters to be considered for inclusion in an Agreement-in-Principle, and procedures to promote efficient and effective negotiations, including the need for openness and public awareness.

The Consultation Process Interim Measures Agreement (PDF, 871 KB) provides a one-window approach for both the federal and provincial governments to meet their legal consultation obligations with the Algonquins of Ontario. This agreement is designed to facilitate ongoing business within the land claim territory while the negotiations proceed.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Ontario Information Centre on the Algonquin Land Claim.