Pays Plat First Nation marks milestone with new addition to reserve lands

PAYS PLAT FIRST NATION, ROBINSON-SUPERIOR TREATY, ON, Sept. 23, 2026 /CNW/ -- Indigenous Services Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, and Pays Plat First Nation.

Today, Chief David Mushquash of Pays Plat First Nation, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Greg Rickford, Ontario's Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, announced a 4,203-acre increase - to Pays Plat First Nation's land base through the Additions to Reserve process.

The addition of 4,203 acres of land to the Pays Plat reserve supports future growth and strengthens the Nation's ability to pursue long-term goals. The additional lands will support housing expansion and help advance economic development initiatives. This transfer completes the implementation of the Land and Larger Land Base Final Agreement that Canada, Ontario, and Pays Plat First Nation entered into in 2018.

This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership. With concrete actions like these, we are taking important steps towards advancing reconciliation and supporting the long-term prosperity and well-being of communities like Pays Plat First Nation.

Quotes

"Today we are realizing, with this addition to our reserve, the results of over 36 years of discussions between the Crowns and the Pays Plat First Nation. Our community is sitting on the verge of an economic and housing boom. Many of our members have been waiting for this expansion to begin their return to our amazing community. The prosperity that is to come will engage our youth and protect our elders. Pays Plat will soon manage its own lands as part of the Lands Management First Nations Group. The control of our land code signals a growth in our self-government and self-determination. Miigwetch to all who made this day possible."

Chief David Mushquash
Chief of Pays Plat First Nation

"Reflecting years of work and a shared commitment to moving this agreement forward, we mark an important milestone, grounded in partnership. The addition to reserve for Pays Plat First Nation provides the clarity and certainty needed to continue their community's vision of economic growth and development, well into the future."

The Honourable Greg Rickford
Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation

"Today, we reaffirmed our strong partnership with Pays Plat First Nation and our shared commitment to advancing reconciliation through meaningful action. Completing this major addition to Pays Plat's land base is a testament to the value of collaboration and to what can be achieved when First Nations and governments work together. I am proud to mark this important milestone with the community and look forward to continuing our work together in the spirit of partnership and respect."

The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

"For Pays Plat First Nation, these 4,203 acres mean room to build homes, create new economic opportunities and welcome more members home. After decades of work to reach this point, I congratulate the Nation on this achievement and am proud to see it gain more land to pursue its own priorities and build the future it sees for its community. This is self-determination in action, and I'm excited to see what Pays Plat builds from here."

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty
Minister of Indigenous Services

"The addition of these lands marks an important milestone for Pays Plat First Nation. A larger land base will support the community's vision for more housing, stronger families, and new opportunities for future growth. Canada remains committed to working in partnership with First Nations to help build healthy, resilient communities where families can thrive."

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay--Superior North

Quick facts

• Pays Plat First Nation is an Ojibway community on the Pays Plat River. It is located near Rossport, Ontario, about 175 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.
• Additions to Reserve and Reserve Creation are part of the Government of Canada's overall efforts to advance reconciliation by facilitating First Nation self-sufficiency.
• The Final Agreement was negotiated based on a Framework Agreement dated August 5, 1991, signed by a number of First Nations, Canada, and Ontario, which committed the parties to negotiate agreements that would add additional lands to First Nations' reserves on a policy basis for the sustainability, growth, and economic development of the community.

Associated links

Pays Plat First Nations
Additions to Reserve

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

For more information, media may contact: Xavier Thompson, Land Code Coordinator, Pays Plat First Nation, [email protected], [phone]; Alec Wilson, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, [email protected]; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, [email protected]; Livi McElrea, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, [email protected]; ISC Media Relations, [email protected]