Canada and Lubicon Lake Band Take a Major Step Forward with Signing of Negotiation Framework

Negotiation Framework launches formal negotiations on a path of reconciliation

OTTAWA, Dec. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Chief Billy Joe Laboucan, the councillors of the Lubicon Lake Band and MP Chris Warkentin today announced the signing of a Negotiation Framework to move forward with land claim negotiations that will lead to greater economic self-sufficiency and prosperity for members of the Lubicon Lake Band.

The Negotiation Framework sets out processes for concurrently advancing three priority issues identified by the Lubicon: the establishment of a reserve pursuant to Treaty; community construction on the future reserve lands; and resolution of Lubicon's claims to other treaty-related benefits.

Quick Facts

• Lubicon Lake Band is located approximately 450 kilometres north of Edmonton, Alberta, in the non-reserve community of Little Buffalo and has a population of 502 people.
• Lubicon Lake Band is the last of the Treaty 8 isolated communities that were missed by the Treaty Commissioners at the time of Treaty making well over 100 years ago.
• The signed Negotiation Framework brings clarity and mutual agreement about the nature of the work ahead for the federal and Lubicon negotiators.
• Since the late 1980s, Canada has settled 10 Treaty Land Entitlement claims in Treaty 8 territory.

Quotes

"Our Government remains committed to enabling First Nations to take advantage of the economic prosperity this country has to offer.  The Negotiation Framework signing brings us one step closer to our goal, of moving forward together, in the spirit of reconciliation, with shared priorities that will ensure that long-term benefits flow as quickly as possible to Lubicon members leading to improved living conditions and increased well-being."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"We are now hopeful and excited that we will conclude this 80-year-old claim. Our people have waited a long time. The signing of this agreement today not only confirms the productive progress we've made in the past several months but outlines the work needed to finally resolve our claim."

Chief Billy Joe Laboucan
Lubicon Lake Band

"I am pleased to see this important progress toward settling a long-standing negotiation with Lubicon Lake Band. In partnership we can continue to seize opportunities that promote prosperity and economic development for the benefit of all Canadians."

Chris Warkentin
Member of Parliament for Peace River

Associated Links

Treaty Making in Canada
Land Claims in Canada
Treaty No. 8
Lubicon Lake Band Profile

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SOURCE: Government of Canada

Erica Meekes, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160; Lubicon Lake Band, Chief Billy Joe Laboucan, 780-618-7667