Ottawa settles almost $5M in B.C. land claims







(NC) -- The federal government has settled five long-standing land claims with First Nations communities in B.C.

The Kitselas First Nation, located near Terrace, accepted $566,390 in compensation over a dispute involving the size of reserve dating back to 1901.

The Mount Currie Indian Band, located eight kilometres east of Pemberton, received $54,860 in compensation for grievances relating to improper taking of power line easements, failure to inform the band and inadequate compensation.

The Cheam First Nation, located 20 kilometres east of Chilliwack, alleged improper alienation of land involving a Canadian National Railway right-of-way. The final settlement was signed on August 16, 2013 when the First Nation received $515,472 in compensation.

The Treaty 8 Tribal Association submitted a claim over the transfer of land within Fort St. John Indian Reserve No. 172 to the province in 1934, without the consent of, or compensation paid to the First Nations. The final settlement was signed on November 25, 2013 with $3,244,136 in compensation.

Since the fall of 2008, Canada has cleared up the backlog of 541 claims at the assessment stage. As a result, the number of claims in negotiation has more than doubled and there are now more claims in negotiation than ever before. The federal government has settled 15 land claims over the past year alone totalling more than $350 million.

Settling land claims opens up economic opportunities that can contribute to the future development of First Nation communities and local economies. First Nations that receive settlements often, in turn, invest that money into neighbouring communities through land purchases, economic development and new business partnerships. Settling claims can also help to build stronger relationships between First Nations and neighbouring communities.

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada has posted information about specific land claims, answers to frequently asked questions, video success stories and an interactive map showing where claims have been settled at www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca.


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