Canada and Missanabie Cree First Nation celebrate the creation of the Missanabie Cree First Nation Reserve

OTTAWA, July 6, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, together with Missanabie Cree First Nation Chief Jason Gauthier, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services celebrated the creation of the Missanabie Cree First Nation Reserve.

A federal Order in Council, signed on June 22, 2018, set apart 3,892.282 hectares (9,618.038 acres) of land, including the mines and minerals for the use and benefit of Missanabie Cree First Nation under Canada's Additions to Reserves/New Reserves Policy.

In the early 1900s, approximately 35 northern Ontario First Nations entered into Treaty 9 with the governments of Canada and Ontario. Then incorrectly considered part of the Moose Cree First Nation, the Missanabie Cree did not receive recognition as a separate First Nation until the 1950s. The First Nation formally submitted a request for a reserve in 1993, which was accepted for negotiations in 2001 by Canada and Ontario.

With the creation of the reserve, Missanabie Cree First Nation can now develop infrastructure to support the community and explore economic development opportunities for its 476 members.

Quotes

"This is a historical time for Missanabie Cree First Nation as we have been through 112 years of being denied a reserve. I would like to recognize and congratulate all the prior Chiefs and Councillors for all the contributing work that has been done towards reclaiming our lands and fighting to obtain reserve status. I would also like to recognize, since the establishment of Missanabie Cree First Nation, all of our members who have passed on to the spirit world and were not able to see this happen."

Chief Jason Gauthier
Missanabie Cree First Nation

"I am delighted to celebrate the creation of the Missanabie Cree First Nation Reserve. This is an important step towards a renewed relationship- one based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. I am happy to know that future generations will be able to grow up connected to their ancestral homeland and their culture."

The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

"Congratulations to Chief Gauthier and the community of Missanabie Cree First Nation on this historic day. I am pleased to know that after 112 years, members of the community will be able to return to their ancestral homeland and connect with their roots. I look forward to a continued partnership with Chief and Council, and all members of the community."

Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

Quick Facts

• Ontario and Missanabie Cree First Nation signed a Land Transfer Agreement in August 2010.
• In 2014, Ontario transferred 15 square miles of (fee simple) provincial Crown land to the First Nation's holding company.
• In April 2018, Missanabie Cree First Nation confirmed its intent to have the land set aside as reserve through the legal transfer of title to Canada.

Associated Links

• Additions to Reserve Policy
• Orders In Council
• Missanabie Cree First Nation

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada

For further information: media may contact: Rachel Rappaport, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, 819-934-2796; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160