DOCSLIB.ORG

Tax Exemption Tops Agenda Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Tax Exemption Tops Agenda Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia Page 1 Volume 22 Issue 7 Published monthly by the Union of Ontario Indians - Anishinabek Nation Single Copy: $2.00 SEPTEMBER 2010 IN BRIEF Casino feud over OTTAWA – The nine-year legal battle by Mnjikaning First Na- tion – now known as Rama –to claim a 35% share of Casino Rama net proceeds in perpetuity is over. The casino’s host com- munity was only to receive a 35% share for the first five years of operations. Alderville plaque BELLEVILLE – A ceremony was staged here in August to install a plaque commemorat- ing the historic presence in the city by Alderville First Nation. The Government of Canada and Alderville resolved the Thur- low Purchase Specific Claim on March 4, providing the First Nation with $735,000 compen- sation for surrendered lands and the Crown’s failure to protect Theresa Stevens , a member of the Intergovernmental Affairs unit at the Union of Ontario Indians, was one of a team of UOI “secret shoppers” that Donor needed tested retailer compliance with Ontario regulations requiring them to give point-of-sale exemption of the provincial sales tax effective Sept. 1 to all First Nations citizens presenting certificates of Indian Status. Here Stevens presents her status card to Serena Lecappelain at North Bay’s Canadian Tire TORONTO – Bone marrow from outlet. – Photo by Marci Becking a matched Aboriginal Canadian donor may be the best chance Leona Bost, has for survival. The five-month-old was born with Tax exemption tops agenda Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia. Visit http://www.blood.ca By Maurice Switzer collect sales receipts and submit to customers were asked to complete question form. UOI OFFICES – Grand Council the Ontario ministry of Revenue a Tax Exemption Form with their “We do not want our citizens Pic River pilot Chief Patrick Madahbee chose the for refunds. registration number, name, signa- to endure embarrassment in stores first day that Ontario retailers were Overall, UOI staff reported that ture and First Nation. because of the ignorance of their PIC RIVER – Anishinabek Em- to resume recognition of the First large chain retailers seemed to have However clerks at the Canadi- employees,” said UOI chief oper- ployment and Training Services Nation point-of-sale tax exemp- followed provincial guidelines, al- an Tire franchise 15 minutes away ating officer Walter Manitowabi, in co-operation with the Assem- tion to announce that the Anishin- though there were inconsistencies. in Sturgeon Falls refused to hon- who played a key role in negotiat- bly of First Nations and the Min- abek Nation political agenda will The Canadian Tire franchise in our the First Nation tax exemption ing the continuation of the point- ing Industry Human Resources be taking on a more rights-based North Bay, for example, had post- until UOI staff made the manager of-sale exemption. “I ran into a Council (MiHR), are proud to focus. ed signs at checkouts asking First aware of the provincial regulation. First Nations couple shopping in announce the 12-week pilot "The province-wide campaign Nation customers to present their Wal-Mart was reported to be North Bay who somehow had the of Mining Essentials: A Work that the Anishinabek led against Certificates of Indian Status, staff compliant – except the retail gi- impression that their status cards Readiness Training Program for the Harmonized Sales Tax was ul- had been informed that the point- ant’s Midland outlet – but cash would no longer be recognized af- Aboriginal Peoples. The pilot timately successful," said Madah- of-sale exemption was resuming, registers had not been updated and ter July 1st.” project is in partnership with the bee, "but in the process we learned and receipts indicated that – in- staff were manually recording the Grand Council Chief Madah- Ojibways of the Pic River First how little other governments, the stead of the 13% HST – the total tax exemptions on register tapes. bee called on citizens of the 40 Nation, Pic Mobert First Nation, media, and the general public included 5% FNPOS– First Na- First Nation shoppers also are member Anishinabek Nation com- Barrick - Hemlo and Confedera- know about aboriginal and treaty tions Point-of-Sale. First Nations asked to complete a simple three- munities to provide the nearest tion College’s Training & Devel- rights. riding office of a member of the opment Department. "Even after the province has Ontario legislature with the name sent out notices informing busi- Ipperwash process of any business refusing to respect nesses that they must honour the their point-of-sale exemption to rights of our citizens - on and off- the 8-per-cent provincial sales tax. reserve - to tax exemption, we are losing momentum "That was part of the deal we hearing stories of companies try- UOI OFFICES – A decade and a half after the killing of Dudley negotiated with Ontario; they ac- ing to gouge First Nations custom- George by a provincial police officer, Anishinabek Nation leaders say cepted responsibility for ensuring ers. These retailers are now break- the Ontario government is allowing the Ipperwash Inquiry process to that all businesses in the province ing their own government's laws, lose momentum. complied with their tax regime. We as well as ignoring First Nation “The McGuinty government raised a lot of hopes when they made showed Ontario that we were pre- School’s in rights." the Ipperwash Commission a priority after first being elected,” said pared to take to the streets to fight NORTH BAY – Shannon Mani- UOI staff members conducted Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, “but 15 years after Dudley for our rights; we are also prepared towabi and Anishinabek Deputy a “secret shopper” exercise on George’s death all we’ve heard are a lot of good intentions.” to fight for our rights in stores and Grand Chief Glen Hare chat Sept. 1 to gauge how well provin- Madahbee was especially concerned about the lack of real progress malls, if necessary." during a welcoming pow-wow cial retailers were complying with being made by working groups of the Ipperwash Inquiry Priorities and Madahbee said the Union of Sept. 17 at the Canadore Col- a provincial regulation calling for Action Committee. The joint Ontario/First Nation process was estab- Ontario Indians will re-focus its lege campus outside of North resumption of point-of-sale ex- lished to discuss the 100 recommendations tabled three years ago fol- political advocacy for the Anishin- Bay. Manitowabi, and Hare emption from the 8-per-cent pro- lowing a commission of inquiry that looked into the shooting death of abek on the rights-based aspects of discussed rallies being planned vincial portion of the 13 % HST, Dudley George on the night of Sept. 6, 1995. such ongoing issues as citizenship, across Canada to protest gov- which was implemented July 1. “It’s time for the McGuinty government to walk the Ipperwash matrimonial real property and ernment inaction on providing At that time retailers were given a talk,” said Madahbee. funding for post-secondary educa- adequate funding for First Na- two-month grace period to adjust “On behalf of 55,000 Anishinabek Nation citizens we want mem- tion. t i o n s p o s t - s e c o n d a r y s t u d e n t s . accounting systems during which bers of the George family to know they are always very much in our See “Exercise Your Rights” –Photo by Walter Manitowabi First Nation citizens were asked to thoughts.” on Page 2. Page 2 Anishinabek News September 2010 EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS! What you need to know about HST Receipts from July and August *On July 1st, 2010, when submitted with the official the new federal/provin- refund form as found on cial Harmonized Sales Tax the Ontario Ministry of (HST) came into effect and Revenue website. with that, the federally is- http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/ sued Indian status cards were forms/general/pdf/0237.pdf not honoured at point-of-sale With the submission process for goods and services. now officially underway, Instead, for the months of Anishinabek Nation citizens July and August, status card and communities are being holders paid the Provincial reminded: Sales Tax (PST) at the point • Fill out Application of sale but were asked to Forms as found on the keep all receipts where Ontario Ministry of they were charged the PST Revenue website (see link portion of the HST. noted above) or visit www. Having done this, anishinabek.ca Anishinabek Nation citizens • Submit all receipts William Stevens fills out the refund form for receipts collected in July and August. are now being asked showing PST was paid indicate it on the form status card; both sides • Refunds for the July and to submit their receipts • If you require your • Make sure you also • Allow up to 8 weeks August receipts need to be showing they paid the PST. receipts to be returned submit a photocopy of your for refund submitted by November 1, These receipts are to be back to you, make sure to 2010. As of September 1, you can use your Status Card at the cash • Point-of-Sale(POS) • The issue was discussed PST (8 %) tax exemption about small retailers pur- applies to all Indian status chasing items on a cash and card holders that reside carry business and being in Ontario regardless if charged the HST. The Prov- whether they live on or off ince noted that if the items reserve. are for resale, they will be taxed. Exemption is for per- • First Nation purchas- sonal consumption only. ers of take-out meals are eligible for the POS tax ex- • Tax exemption also ap- emption.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The First Nations
    Our First Nations Neighbours Peter Jones - c1845 According to several accounts, the first European to travel through Rice Lake was Samuel de Champlain about 1615. But... Artifacts from a 1974 archaeological dig on Rice Lake’s Sugar Island are on display in the Alderville Community Centre. They point to the existence of human settlement in this area about 1000-1500 years ago, or during the Middle Woodland Period. While all Canadians can join in the celebration of 150 years since four provinces formed the Dominion of Canada, First Nations can look back over a much longer history on these lands. The current residents of Alderville First Nation, on the south shore of Rice Lake, have a rich heritage. Wars between the various native tribes in southern Ontario and the northern American states, wars between the French and the English, changing alliances between all four, and various treaties were the story of the 1600s, 1700s and early 1800s. They all set the stage for the more recent story of our native community. At the time of the American Revolution (1775) people of the Mississauga nation were living in this area. As settlers continued to pour in from the United States, the Mississauga’s traditional semi-nomadic way of life was increasingly under threat. The landscape was changing, and the Mississauga were gradually pushed from their traditional hunting grounds. “The establishment of farms and additional settlements in the decades to follow disrupted the Mississauga’s fishing and hunting... Many Indians were hungry for new religious guidance, since their old religion seemed incapable of protecting them.” “I cannot suppose for a moment that the Supreme Disposer has decreed that the doom of Donald Smith, Sacred Feathers the red man is to fall and gradually disappear, like the mighty wilderness, before the axe of the European settler” – Peter Jones.
    [Show full text]
  • Waterfront Regeneration on Ontario’S Great Lakes
    2017 State of the Trail Leading the Movement for Waterfront Regeneration on Ontario’s Great Lakes Waterfront Regeneration Trust: 416-943-8080 waterfronttrail.org Protect, Connect and Celebrate The Great Lakes form the largest group of freshwater During the 2016 consultations hosted by the lakes on earth, containing 21% of the world’s surface International Joint Commission on the Great Lakes, the freshwater. They are unique to Ontario and one of Trail was recognized as a success for its role as both Canada’s most precious resources. Our partnership is a catalyst for waterfront regeneration and the way the helping to share that resource with the world. public sees first-hand the progress and challenges facing the Great Lakes. Driven by a commitment to making our Great Lakes’ waterfronts healthy and vibrant places to live, work Over time, we will have a Trail that guides people across and visit, we are working together with municipalities, all of Ontario’s Great Lakes and gives residents and agencies, conservation authorities, senior visitors alike, an opportunity to reconnect with one of governments and our funders to create the most distinguishing features of Canada and the The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. world. In 2017 we will celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday by – David Crombie, Founder and Board Member, launching the first northern leg of the Trail between Waterfront Regeneration Trust Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury along the Lake Huron North Channel, commencing work to close the gap between Espanola and Grand Bend, and expanding around Georgian Bay. Lake Superior Lac Superior Sault Garden River Ste.
    [Show full text]
  • A Short History of Chief Island 1856-2007 As Prepared by Leclair
    A SHORT HISTORY OF CHIEF ISLAND, 1856-2007 Abstract A brief examination of Chippewas of Rama First Nation’s assertion to title Prepared for Chippewas of Rama First Nation by Leclair Historical Research, June 2021 PRIVILEDGED AND CONFIDENTIAL Introduction In late May 2021 Cathy Edney, Communications Manager, Rama First Nation contacted Leclair Historical Research asking for a primer on the status of Chief Island, Rama Township. Rama First Nation asserts that this island is part of the traditional territory of the Chippewas of Lake Huron and Simcoe, and more specifically, that of Rama First Nation. A search of the historical abstract books for Ramara Township housed at Simcoe County’s Land Registry Office # 51 was also undertaken as a precaution against the question of a title conflict. 1 No cloud on the title to the island was found. In sum, Chief Island has never been covered by treaty and remains Indigenous territory. It has a special significance for Rama First Nation as it has been used as a burial ground for its people for centuries. It is also the final resting place of those ancient ancestors whose care has been entrusted to Rama First Nation. Through a Joint Band Council Resolution passed among the Chippewas of Rama, Beausoleil Island and Georgina Island in 1964, and an accompanying federal Ministerial Order, Chief Island has been expressly named as part of the reserve lands of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. 1 The historical land abstract books are available online through the government of Ontario’s ONLAND, land registry access. https://www.onland.ca/ui/25/books/search.
    [Show full text]
  • Consultation and Accommodation Protocol for Rama First Nation
    Consultation and Accommodation Protocol for Rama First Nation Table of Contents Preliminary Matters ................................................................................................................................. 4 Respecting First Nation Lands: ....................................................................................... 4 Notice: ............................................................................................................................... 4 Name and Adoption of this Protocol: ............................................................................ 4 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 5 PART I: ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 1. Preamble: ......................................................................................................... 6 2. Purpose: ............................................................................................................ 6 3. Aboriginal and Treaty Rights: ........................................................................ 6 4. Private Organizations and the Duty to Consult: .......................................... 7 5. Guiding Principles for Meaningful Consultation: .......................................... 7 6. Definitions: ......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Engineering & Mining Journal
    Know-How | Performance | Reliability With MineView® and SmartFlow® Becker Mining Systems offers two comprehensive and scalable data management solutions for your Digital Mine. MineView® is a powerful state-of-the-art 3D SCADA system, that analyses incoming data from various mine equipment and visualises it in a 3D mine model. SmartFlow® takes Tagging & Tracking to a new level: collected asset data is centrally processed and smart software analytics allow for process optimization and improved safety. MINEVIEW BECKER MINING SYSTEMS AG We have been at the forefront of technology in Energy Distribution, Automation, Communication, Transportation and Roof Support since 1964. Together with our customers we create and deliver highest quality solutions and services to make operations run more profi tably, reliably and safely. For more information go to www.becker-mining.com/digitalmine Becker Mining is a trademark of Becker Mining Systems AG. © 2018 Becker Mining Systems AG or one of its affi liates. DECEMBER 2018 • VOL 219 • NUMBER 12 FEATURES China’s Miners Promote New Era of Openness and Cooperation Major reforms within the mining sector and the government will foster green mines at home and greater investment abroad ....................................42 Defeating the Deleterious Whether at the head of a circuit or scavenging tailings, today’s flotation innovations address challenges presented by declining grades, rising costs and aging plants ..................................................................................52 Staying on Top of
    [Show full text]
  • 20-24 October 14'20 Meeting
    THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF HURON SHORES October 14, 2020 (20-24) - Regular The regular meeting of the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, and called to order by Mayor Georges Bilodeau at 7:44 p.m. PRESENT (Council Chambers): Mayor Georges Bilodeau, and Councillors Debora Kirby and Jock Pirrie PRESENT (electronically): Councillors Jane Armstrong, Gord Campbell, Nancy Jones-Scissons, Blair MacKinnon (lost connection from 7:17 - 7:20 p.m., and 8:38 - 8:55 p.m.), and Dale Wedgwood REGRETS: Councillor Darlene Walsh STAFF (Council Chambers): Clerk/Administrator Deborah Tonelli STAFF (electronically): Deputy Clerk Natashia Roberts, and Treasurer John Stenger (left meeting when Council went into closed session) DELEGATION (electronically): GALLERY (electronically): Joanne Falk (left shortly after Council returned to open session); Dan Gray (left when Council went into closed session); Peter Tonazzo (left at 8:11 p.m.); Jim Falconer (left when Council went into into closed session); Cornelia Poeschl (left at approximately 8:20 p.m.); Nancy Richards (left when Council went into closed session); David Ratz (left when Council went into closed session), Dave Smith (left when Council went into closed session) AGENDA REVIEW No changes made. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Councillor Wedgwood declared a pecuniary interest respecting Item 5, pertaining to the Hughes Supply account. Councillor Kirby declared a pecuniary interest respecting Item 5, pertaining to the Tulloch Engineering account and Item 8b-1 (declared at the time the item came up for discussion on the agenda). Councillor Armstrong declared a pecuniary interest respecting Items 5, pertaining to the Armstrong Enterprise account, and Item 8d-2.
    [Show full text]
  • June 2008 in the NEWS Anishinabek Nation Will Decide Who Are Citizens by Michael Purvis Citizenship
    Volume 20 Issue 5 Published monthly by the Union of Ontario Indians - Anishinabek Nation Single Copy: $2.00 June 2008 IN THE NEWS Anishinabek Nation will decide who are citizens By Michael Purvis citizenship. Grand Council Chief John Sault Star The law proposes to do Beaucage said it’s time First There’s something troubling to several things, chief among them Nations start looking at citizenship Wayne Beaver about the high rate throwing out in the same way as nations like at which Alderville First Nation the concept Canada do. members are marrying people of status and “Right now we somewhat from outside the community. replacing buy into the aspect of status with It’s not the fact that youth are it with the Indian Act: Our membership looking to outsiders for mates citizenship clerks fi ll in the federal government that raises alarm bells — that’s akin to that forms and send them in to Ottawa expected, Beaver said, in a of the world’s and people get entered into a list,” community of just 300 people. sovereign Wayne Beaver said Beaucage. The problem is, if what the nations. “Well, once we have our studies say is true, Alderville “Under the present defi nition, citizenship law, we’re not going faces a future without any status the grandchildren of women such to do that; we’re not going to fi ll Indians as long as the federal as me, who marry non-Indians, those forms in and send them in Barack Black Eagle government’s defi nition of Indian will lose their status,” said to Ottawa.” MISSOULA, Mt.– Democratic party presidential candidate Barack status continues to hold sway, he Corbiere-Lavell.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Apply
    Five (5) scholarships in the amount of $1,500.00 each will be awarded to Anishinabek First Nation students at the post-secondary level ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Eligibility: Applicant must be a registered full-time student at an accredited post-secondary college or university. Students who are currently enrolled as well as those who have completed studies and are graduating in 2021 are eligible. Applicant must be a registered member of one of the 39 Anishinabek First Nations. To Apply: Eligible students are asked to submit: a short bio (tell us who you are); a letter outlining academic achievements, community involvement and future aspirations; two (2) written academic references; a copy of your transcript of your current 2020/21 grades; and contact information including email address, complete mailing address and phone number. * Incomplete applications will not be considered. CLOSING DATE for scholarship applications is Friday, May 28, 2021 Applications can be submitted by email (preferred), mail, or fax to: Jason Restoule, Manager Phone: (705) 497-9127 or 1-877-702-5200 Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity Fax: (705) 497-9135 1 Migizii Miikan, P.O. Box 711 Email: [email protected] North Bay, ON P1B 8J8 www.an7gc.ca Post-secondary students registered with the following Anishinabek First Nation communities are eligible to apply Aamjiwnaang First Nation Moose Deer Point Alderville First Nation Munsee-Delaware Nation Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Namaygoosisagagun First Nation Aundeck Omni Kaning Nipissing First Nation
    [Show full text]
  • Indigenous Collaborative Programming Report
    Navigating the Road Ahead: Indigenous Collaborative Programming Land Acknowledgement: INDIGENOUS COLLABORATIVE WHAT DOES AN INDIGENOUS PROGRAMMING COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM We respectfully acknowledge that the 4Directions of Conversation Consulting Inc. is located within the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and We are all treaty people, and as such, we all LOOK LIKE? Chippewa First Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include Curve have a role to play in upholding these treaties. Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Indigenous peoples have unique and complex To honour treaties is to honour the relationships with land that extends beyond using Authorship: relationships that have come before us and land for their personal or community needs or as Gary L.J Pritchard ~ Giniw (Golden Eagle) is a Conservation Ecologist and Indigenous Engagement/ the ones yet to come. their life-support system. Indigenous relationships Placemaking Specialist from Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario. Gary has had the privilege to work with land include cultural, spiritual, economic, on behalf of Indigenous peoples throughout Ontario and Canada. He has travelled and worked in As we strive towards reconciliation, it is stewardship, kinship, governance and rights-based almost 300 Indigenous communities throughout Canada and the northern United States. more important than ever to acknowledge aspects. Ensuring that these relationships can that any project, regardless of size or intent continue is critical to the future and wellbeing of Gary loves to connect and educate people through nature. He believes that if individuals, especially may inadvertently bring harm to Indigenous Indigenous peoples.
    [Show full text]
  • History7 Enhancements
    NELSON HISTORY7 ENHANCEMENTS AUTHOR AND ADVISOR TEAM Stan Hallman-Chong James Miles Jan Haskings-Winner Deneen Katsitsyon:nio Montour, Charlene Hendricks Rotinonhsyón:ni, Kanyen’kehaka (Mohawk Nation), Turtle Clan, Heidi Langille, Nunatsiavutmiut Six Nations of the Grand River Territory Dion Metcalfe, Nunatsiavutmiut Kyle Ross Benny Michaud,DRAFT Métis Nation SAMPLE REVIEWERS Jan Beaver, Zaawaakod Aankod Kwe, Yellow Cloud Woman, Bear Clan, Alderville First Nation Dr. Paige Raibmon, University of British Columbia A special thank you to our Authors, Advisors, and Reviewers for sharing their unique perspectives and voices in the development of these lessons. Nelson encourages students to work with their teachers as appropriate to seek out local perspectives in their communities to further their understanding of Indigenous knowledge. TABLE OF Nelson History7 Enhancements CONTENTS Authors and Advisors Stan Hallman-Chong Benny Michaud Jan Haskings-Winner James Miles Charlene Hendricks Deneen Katsitsyon:nio Montour Heidi Langille Kyle Ross Dion Metcalfe UNIT 1: NEW FRANCE AND BRITISH NORTH Reviewers Jan Beaver AMERICA: 1713-1800 Dr. Paige Raibmon What Were the Spiritual Practices and Beliefs of The lessons in this resource have been written and developed Indigenous Peoples? 2 with Indigenous authors, educators, and advisors, and are to be What Is the Significance of the Covenant Chain, used with Nelson History7. Fort Stanwix, and British–Inuit Treaties? 10 Senior Publisher, Social Studies Senior Production Project Manager Cover Design Paula
    [Show full text]
  • Byng Inlet Water Quality Characterization – 2014-2016
    Byng Inlet Water Quality Characterization – 2014-2016 1/10/2017 Prepared for: Magnetawan First Nation Clark 13 Aubrey St., Bracebridge, ON P1L 1M1 705 645 2967 1/10/2017 Anthony LaForge Director of Lands and Resources Magnetawan First Nation 10 Highway 529, Britt, ON P0G 1A0 Dear Mr. LaForge, I am pleased to submit this report which summarizes the water quality monitoring that was conducted on Byng Inlet from 2014 to 2016. This report summarizes the findings of the three-year project. An examination of measured runoff depths and mean Magnetawan P concentrations indicate export coefficients typical of forested watersheds. This means that the Magnetawan River is behaving like a natural river with respect to phosphorus concentrations. Watershed inputs to Byng Inlet from the Magnetawan River are therefore not a concern with respect to phosphorus at this time. These results indicate that although the water quality with respect to nutrients is excellent there are sources of nutrients within the Inlet that contribute to phosphorus loading but these are difficult to assess due to the large volume of dilution water contributed by the Magnetawan River. There has been an effort here to identify the potential sources of phosphorus to Byng Inlet but no effort has been made to quantify the loads from these sources. Variations in the phosphorus concentrations both seasonally and between sample stations tend to vary between years but it should be noted that the magnitude of the variation in P concentrations is slight. In addition, the measured concentrations of total phosphorus indicate excellent water quality relative to Provincial Water Quality Objectives.
    [Show full text]
  • Media Release
    Media Release COLDWATER – NARROWS LAND CLAIM SETTLEMENT Rama First Nation -- December 12, 2012 -- The Chippewa Tri-Council First Nations and Nawash Unceded First Nation have received confirmation that the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), the Hon. John Duncan, has signed the Coldwater- Narrows Land Claim Settlement Agreement, concluding this long outstanding claim. The four First Nation communities are now in the process of receiving full compensation and implementing trust agreements established by their membership as part of a ratification process which took place earlier in the year. This brings to an end the largest specific land claim in Canadian history. The Coldwater-Narrows Land Claim began more than 30 years ago when research into the claim began. In 1991, the claim was formally filed with the federal government. While Canada initially rejected the claim in 1996, it was eventually accepted in 2002. Ten years of hard negotiations led to this historic outcome. The Chippewa Tri-Council First Nations, which include the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation and Beausoleil First Nation, all voted to ratify the Settlement Agreement on April 14th, 2012. The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation ratified their agreement on July 7th, 2012. A formal signing ceremony with the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs is tentatively planned for the new year. Chief Sharon Stinson Henry of Rama First Nation has been a part of the negotiating table since the claim was accepted in August of 2002. She said that the conclusion of the claim is one that has long been a part of her work on behalf of her community.
    [Show full text]