News Release

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Milestone Reached in Temagami Land Claim Settlement

TORONTO – Negotiators for the Ernie Eves government, the Temagami First Nation and the Teme-Augama Anishnabai have reached agreement on the elements to settle the Temagami land claim, David Young, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, announced today.

The key elements include 127 square miles of land for the creation of a reserve and an economic development package worth approximately $4 million, including a land component. Ontario will also pay $20 million in financial compensation.

"The Eves government is pleased this milestone has been reached in the Temagami land claim negotiation. This agreement reflects the willingness of the local communities, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, to work together for the future development of the area," said Young.

Chief Alex Paul Sr. of the Temagami First Nation is pleased that consensus has been reached on what will be included in the final agreement. "We have come a long way in our 125-year struggle for justice," said Paul. "Like our ancestors, we have sought to secure a future where our people can thrive for generations to come. Today's achievement marks a new beginning for us—it is the beginning of our future."

"This agreement is a major milestone in the evolution on Daki Menan," said Chief Doug McKenzie of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai. "It marks the beginning of a new relationship between the Teme-Augama Anishnabai and all who now share the benefits from our homelands. Chi-Miigwich Creator."

Ontario and the Temagami Aboriginal community have agreed to ensure the protection of the Temagami shoreline by the creation of a waterway park, or by another appropriate legal designation. Shoreline areas designated as having high mineral potential will not be included in the park and will still be available for mineral exploration.

The proposed reserve will be located within 149 square miles of land set aside for settlement purposes by the Ministry of Natural Resources in 1996.

As next steps in the process, the lawyers for the parties will draft a legally binding settlement agreement incorporating the elements of settlement that have now been agreed upon. Then negotiators for the parties will initial the proposed settlement agreement to indicate their approval of it. The parties will ratify the agreement by early 2004.

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Contacts:

Rosemary Sampson
Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
416-326-4780

Chief Doug McKenzie
Teme-Augama Anishnabai
(705) 237-8627