Overview

CIG's Comprehensive Claims Branch (CCB) represents Canada in the negotiation of comprehensive land claims with Aboriginal groups and the relevant province or territory. Comprehensive land claims are based on the assertion of continuing Aboriginal rights and claims to land that have not been dealt with by treaty or other means. Comprehensive land claims negotiations address concerns raised by Aboriginal people, governments and third parties about who has the legal right to own or use the lands and resources in areas under claim.

The process of negotiating the settlement of comprehensive claims, which is known as modern-day treaty making, clarifies access and ownership to land and resources and spurs economic development on Aboriginal lands and in surrounding communities. Comprehensive claims settlements may also include self-government arrangements.

Section 35 of the Constitution Act,1982 recognizes and affirms Aboriginal and treaty rights that now exist or that may be acquired by way of land claim agreements; Comprehensive claims agreements are therefore accorded section 35 constitutional protection.

Responsibilities

• The business of CCB is to negotiate the settlement of comprehensive land claims.

• The primary goal is to negotiate modern treaties which will provide a clear, certain and long-lasting definition of rights to lands and resources for all Canadians; thus

• equitably reconciling the protection of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal interests through the negotiation process by;

• providing economic opportunities for Aboriginal groups, building new relationships with government, promoting partnerships between Aboriginal groups and their neighbours in managing lands and resources; and
• ensuring that comprehensive land claims respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Canadians, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal; and
• ensuring that the interests of the general public and existing legal interests are respected under these agreements and, if affected, are dealt with fairly.

The management responsibilities of CIG's Comprehensive Claims Branch are allocated along geographical lines. The Executive Advisor of Comprehensive Claims provides direction for negotiations and other processes in the north and to the west of the Manitoba/Ontario border. CCB has an office in Yellowknife which deals with land selection for claims in the N.W.T. and which reports to the Executive Advisor. The Director of Program Development provides direction for national policy as well as negotiations and other processes east of the Manitoba/Ontario border.

The Federal Treaty Negotiation Office (FTNO) represents all federal departments, agencies and the people of Canada in treaty negotiations with First Nations in British Columbia (BC). The FTNO is part of the DIAND BC Regional Office and maintains close working relations with the Comprehensive Claims Branch.

The Claims and Indian Government Directorate, DIAND Yukon Regional Office (CIG Yukon) represents the Government of Canada in the negotiations of comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements with Yukon First Nations. In addition to facilitating the federal government's response to issues raised during these negotiations, CIG Yukon provides support and direction to the Chief Federal Negotiators and Assistant Negotiators.

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