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For Immediate Release
February 24, 2000

News Release

Big Grassy Reserve Boundary Issue Settled

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TORONTO – Mishkosiimiiniiziibing First Nation (Big Grassy First Nation) and the governments of Canada and Ontario announced today that the Big Grassy First Nation River Boundary Settlement Agreement has been signed by all three parties.

The Mishkosiimiiniiziibing First Nation members ratified the final settlement on July 7, 1999. The settlement clarifies the boundary of the Big Grassy Reserve where it crosses the Big Grassy River, allowing the Province to replace the Big Grassy and Eleanor Bay bridges located north of the reserve. The Province of Ontario expects that the bridges will be replaced by the end of the 2001 construction season.

"The people of Mishkosiimiiniiziibing are happy to see this long outstanding issue finally resolved. Our elders always said land must be part of the settlement. The western boundary for Mishkosiimiiniiziibing First Nation has now been confirmed," said Chief Glenn Archie. "Our community did not ask for much in return but we sought the respect that is overdue from both levels of government to deal with us in a serious manner. It is unfortunate that the people on the north side of the bridge were caught in the middle, but we are all happy that it is now finally resolved. We look forward to working with our neighbours in the future."

Ontario's Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, Jim Flaherty said, "I'm very pleased that we were able to negotiate a settlement on the boundary of the Big Grassy Reserve. The settlement of this land claim will help the community become economically strong, independent and self-reliant."

"This is a concrete example of the benefits that can be attained when First Nations, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario work together in partnership," said the Honourable Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. "As emphasized in Gathering Strength- Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan, economic development is key in building strong, self-reliant communities. The investment we are celebrating today is extremely significant for the Mishkosiimiiniiziibing First Nation."

The Province of Ontario will contribute $1.5 million and Canada $500,000 to Mishkosiimiiniiziibing First Nation. The Province will have the right to operate, maintain and repair the new Big Grassy bridge and the public will have the right to use the bridge. The general public will be able to continue to navigate, sport fish and pursue recreational activities on the portion of the Big Grassy River within the Reserve west of the bridge.

"The reconstruction of the Big Grassy and Eleanor Bay bridges will enhance road safety and promote the economic development of the area," said David Turnbull, Minister of Transportation.

Natural Resources Minister John Snobelen said, "By preserving the rights of property owners on the north shore of Big Grassy River, as well as assuring the river's continued use for recreational activities, this Final Agreement strengthens good relations between native and non-native communities."

The Indian Commission of Ontario (ICO) will be coordinating the implementation of the Big Grassy River Boundary Settlement. The ICO is a neutral authority established in the 1970s by Canada, Ontario and First Nations Chiefs in Ontario. Its mandate is to help the parties reach agreements on land claims and other key issues.

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Chief Glenn Archie
Mishkosiimiiniiziibing First Nation
(807) 488-5614

Brendan Crawley
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General
416-326-2210

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Background Information: Big Grassy Boundary Issue and Settlement Negotiations