OTTAWA - The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett, issued the following statement today:
"I was truly honoured to take part today in a special gathering with Treaty #8 First Nation Chiefs and community members to celebrate recent progress we have made together to find shared solutions that resolve longstanding specific claims.
This past year, the Government of Canada and eighteen First Nations in Treaty #8 have successfully concluded negotiated settlements to resolve their agricultural benefits claims.
Achieved through partnership and dialogue, these settlements included financial compensation for past damages relating to broken treaty promises for agricultural benefits under Treaty #8. These jointly developed agreements were approved by First Nation members in community votes over the course of the past year.
This is a decisive step forward to renew our relationship with and advance reconciliation with the following First Nations: Athabasca Chipewyan; Black Lake; Blueberry River; Doig River; Duncan's; Fond du Lac; Fort McMurray; Fort Nelson; Halfway River; K'atlodeeche; Mikisew Cree; Prophet River; Saulteau; Sturgeon Lake Cree; Swan River; Tallcree; West Moberly; and Whitefish Lake.
Our joint work is continuing at other specific claim negotiating tables across the country and we look forward to advancing these talks with our First Nation partners toward a successful conclusion.
Settling claims is the right thing to do. Negotiated settlements help right past wrongs, honour treaty obligations and advance reconciliation with First Nations for the benefit of all Canadians.
Settling claims is one of many steps on the journey of reconciliation with First Nations and helps create a better future for everyone."
Source : newswire.ca