Shoal Lake No. 40 First Nation, Treaty 3 Territory, Manitoba- Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Today, Chief Herb Green of Shoal Lake No. 40 First Nation and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced a $17.45-million settlement agreement resolving Shoal Lake No. 40 First Nation's specific claim.
Specific claims address situations where Canada failed to fulfil obligations owed to First Nations under a treaty. In this case, the claim relates to seven islands in Indian Bay, Shoal Lake, known as the Garden Islands, which were promised to Shoal Lake No. 40 First Nation under Treaty 3 but were never set aside as reserve land. This settlement provides compensation in resolution of the claim.
Settlements provide First Nations with funds that can be invested in community priorities, such as land purchases, infrastructure, and economic development. They can also create new opportunities that benefit First Nations and local and regional economies.
Settling specific claims is one way to address past harms, rebuild trust, and support reconciliation. This settlement agreement reflects continued efforts to build relationships with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.
