OTTAWA - Ottawa and four First Nations have reached a tentative settlement in an outstanding land claim in south-central Ontario.
Canada has tabled a settlement offer to the Chippewas of Rama, the Chippewas of Georgina Island, the Beausoleil First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash.
The four First Nations have agreed to take the offer to their members for a vote.
No settlement is possible without the vote and approval of the membership of all four First Nations.
The proposed settlement includes approximately $307 million in financial compensation to resolve the claim.
The claim dates back to events that took place over 170 years ago.
"This is a major step forward in joint efforts to bring closure to this longstanding claim," said John Duncan, minister of aboriginal affairs and northern development.
Chief Sharon Stinson Henry of Rama First Nation said they are pleased to finally have an offer from Canada.
"Our communities were eager for us to pursue a fair and just settlement for the wrongful taking of our lands in the 1830s," Henry said.
Chief Roly Monague of Beausoleil First Nation said the monetary settlement "will never acknowledge or address the hardships we've endured since we were defrauded of our right to live in Coldwater."
