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Stanjikoming Treaty Land Entitlement Claim

The Stanjikoming First Nation and the Governments of Canada and Ontario are in the early stages of negotiations to resolve an outstanding Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) claim. TLE claims are intended to compensate First Nations who did not receive all the land to which they were entitled under historic treaties.

Overview of the Claim

The basis of the Stanjikoming First Nation's claim is that it did not receive the quantity or quality of land it was entitled to under Treaty #3.

Treaty #3 was signed by the Stanjikoming First Nation and the Crown on October 3, 1873. Under the terms of the Treaty, the Crown was to provide both farmland and "wild land" for reserves and each family of five was to receive one square mile of land, or 128 acres per person.

Canada and Ontario accepted the First Nation's claim for negotiations following thorough legal and historical reviews.

The Negotiation Process

The negotiations between the three parties began in November of 2007. The negotiating parties agree that the best way to resolve this claim is to work together to find common solutions through a productive negotiation process.

The focus of initial discussions has been on a general framework for the negotiations and a protocol for information sharing. Studies to help negotiators determine fair financial compensation will be underway soon. Independent experts are usually retained to conduct this research.

Talks are proceeding well, but much work remains to be done before discussions on a proposed settlement can be concluded.

Looking Ahead

Canada and Ontario do not expropriate private property to settle land claims, nor is anyone asked to sell their land unwillingly. Any private property land transaction is on a willing-seller/willing-buyer basis. Existing access to private property is protected.

Land-related settlements in Ontario can involve the transfer of provincial Crown lands to Canada to be set aside as reserve lands for a First Nation. When this happens, a provincially-led public consultation process is conducted on the proposed Crown land to be transferred. The transfer of the lands is subject to the terms of the settlement that is negotiated and must also meet the criteria of Canada's Additions-to-Reserves (ATR) Policy. A number of steps must be completed before the land can be given reserve status. These steps include, for example, an environmental site assessment and First Nation-led consultation with municipal and provincial governments.

Local interests and concerns will be taken into account during the negotiation process. The Stanjikoming First Nation will consult its members and share information about the negotiations with the community. The negotiating teams for the three parties will keep the lines of communications open with interested stakeholders as negotiations proceed.

The Benefits of Settling Claims

The timely resolution of this claim outside of the court process is in everyone's best interest. Negotiations lead to "win-win" situations that balance the rights and interests of all concerned.

In addition to resolving this longstanding claim, a settlement would provide the Stanjikoming First Nation with opportunities for future economic and community development. It will help build relationships and a positive business climate for the First Nation and its non-Aboriginal neighbours.

Stanjikoming First Nation

Stanjikoming First Nation is located approximately 16 kilometres north of the Town of Fort Frances on the east side of Stanjikoming Bay, Rainy Lake. There are approximately 136 registered band members, of whom approximately 100 live on reserve.

Need more information?

Please visit the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada website or the Land Claims section of our website for general information on the governments' policies and processes for addressing land claims.

First Nation and Government Contacts:

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