Land claim settled

News Release
Ont. Government

Rainy River First Nation, May 14–The Ontario government has agreed to a proposed land claim settlement with the Rainy River First Nations, signalling a new era in Ontario-Aboriginal relations, Minister Responsible for Native Affairs Michael Bryant announced today.
The land claim stems back more than two decades and is tied to an expropriation of lands in 1914 and 1915 by the Ontario and Canadian governments.
“The McGuinty government will work with Aboriginal people in a spirit of mutual respect and co-operation,” stated Minister Bryant today while visiting the Manitou Mounds National Historic Site and the 34th Rainy River First Nations’ annual Fish Fry. “By working together - Aboriginal people and non- Aboriginal people - new opportunities and new solutions can be found.”
Minister Bryant said that Ontario and Rainy River First Nations have come to an agreement on the basic elements of a proposed settlement for the Rainy River First Nations’ land claim. Ontario’s contribution to the settlement will be a combination of money and Crown land. In total $71 million in compensation will flow from the province and the federal government.
Some 46,326 acres of land will be transferred to the First Nation. Of that about 1/3 is Crown land. The rest of the land is privately owned and will be purchased by the First Nation ona willing seller willing buyer basis over the next four decades. Much of that land is located north of the Town of Rainy River.
“I am pleased to host Minister Bryant in our community,” said Rainy River First Nations’ Chief Albert Hunter. “All around him he can see examples of creativity and innovation, a community of prosperity and accomplishment. He can see that the settlement of the Rainy River land claim will benefit not only the people of the Rainy River First Nations but the local and regional community.”
“After 10 years of negotiation and extensive consultation with affected parties, a land claim settlement is close at hand,” said Bryant.
During his visit, Minister Bryant also presented a $16,000 grant for the new Ojibway “Creation Story” exhibit at the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre.
“The McGuinty government recognizes the importance of Aboriginal culture and heritage and is pleased to support facilities like the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah- Nung Historical Centre,” said Bryant. “By giving visitors the opportunity to experience the Aboriginal worldview, the “Creation Story” exhibit will enhance the relationship between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal people.”
The $16,000 grant is funded through the Sports, Culture and Tourism program of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation.
Minister Bryant’s visit also included a guided tour of the Manitou Mounds National Historic Site.
The Rainy River First Nations has approximately 735 members and its reserve is located about 30 miles east of Rainy River, Ontario.