TORONTO, March 8,
2025 /CNW/ - Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern
Affairs Canada, Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First
Nations Economic Reconciliation, and the Mississaugas of the Credit
First Nation
Honouring the Treaty relationship and working in partnership is
key to advancing lasting reconciliation. We believe the best way to
address outstanding issues is through negotiations and
dialogue.
Today, Ogimaa-Kwe (Chief) Claire
Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the
Honourable Greg Rickford, Ontario's Minister for Indigenous Affairs and
First Nations Economic Reconciliation and the Honourable Gary
Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern
Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic
Development Agency, announced a proposed financial settlement to
resolve the Mississaugas of the Credit's Rouge River Valley Tract
Claim.
Negotiators for the parties have initialed the agreement, which
means they are prepared to recommend a proposed settlement for
ratification and signing. The proposed settlement includes
$108.4 million from Canada and $75
million from Ontario, for a
total settlement of $183.4 million
for past losses.
The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation's Rouge River Valley
Tract Claim addresses a longstanding treaty-related dispute between
the parties that dates back to the late 18th century. In
its claim, the Mississaugas of the Credit asserts outstanding
Aboriginal rights and title to an area encompassing 128,697 acres
in the southern part of the Rouge River Valley Tract on the north
shore of Lake Ontario.
Through these negotiations, the First Nation is seeking fair
financial compensation from the Crown and a renewed Treaty
relationship based on mutual respect, partnership and shared
prosperity. The proposed financial settlement is an opportunity for
Ontario and Canada to provide compensation to the
Mississaugas of the Credit to settle this 230-year-old Treaty
dispute.
As the next step, the First Nation is moving forward with a
community engagement process to provide information about the
proposed settlement to their members. The First Nation will set a
date in the near future for a community vote to seek approval from
their members on the proposed settlement. Following community
approval, the proposed settlement must also be approved by the
First Nation, Ontario and
Canada before it can be finalized
and signed by the parties.
Negotiated claim settlements help address past wrongs and
contribute to reconciliation in Canada by rebuilding relationships and
creating new opportunities for First Nations like the Mississaugas
of the Credit to build a more prosperous future for their
communities based on their own priorities.
Quotes
"The proposed settlement represents a significant milestone in
our collective efforts to renew and repair our Nation-to-Nation
relationships with Ontario and
Canada. Resolving these claims is
both necessary and just. As a progressive First Nation, the
Mississaugas of the Credit is committed to working with our
partners and neighbors in continuing to build a strong,
self-sustaining community. By addressing past injustices through a
collaborative solution, we can rebuild trust and move forward
together on the path of reconciliation, working toward a brighter
future for the benefit of all."
Ogimaa-Kwe (Chief) Claire
Sault,
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
"The proposed settlement is a major step forward in our shared
work to renew and repair our Nation-to-Nation relationship with the
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Settling claims is the
right thing to do. By addressing past wrongs through a shared
solution, we can begin to rebuild trust and continue moving forward
together in our journey toward reconciliation and a better
future."
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development
Agency
"Ontario acknowledges its
responsibility to address historic grievances through respectful
and meaningful dialogue with the Mississaugas of the Credit First
Nation. The proposed settlement reflects Chief Sault's leadership
and our shared commitment to strengthening nation-to-nation
relationships and fostering lasting economic reconciliation."
The Honourable Greg Rickford
Ontario Minister of Indigenous
Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation
Quick facts
- The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation is located in
southern Ontario near the town of
Hagersville and has a total of
2693 members.
- The First Nation submitted their Rouge River Valley Tract Claim
to Canada and Ontario in 2015.
- The ownership of private property within the claim lands is not
in question and is not at issue in this claim. This is a claim for
financial compensation only.
- The Rouge National Urban Park is located within the claim area
and will remain a national park for the enjoyment of all.
- The First Nation is seeking to address past wrongs outside of
the courts and receive fair financial compensation from the Crown
through these negotiations.
- Negotiations between Canada
and the First Nation began in 2022 and Ontario joined the negotiations in the fall of
2024.
- Following approval by the parties, the proposed settlement will
resolve the outstanding dispute between the parties and pave the
way for continued collaboration as Treaty partners in our journey
toward reconciliation.
Associated link
- The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
Canada