2-00134

Wendake, Quebec (May 8, 2000) -- Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Robert Nault, and the Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation, Wellie Picard «Tahourenché», today signed a settlement agreement with respect to the specific claim associated with the Quarante Arpents Reserve, a territory located today within the boundaries of Val-Bélair.

On January 28, 2000, community members voted in favour of ratifying the proposed claim settlement. Under this agreement, the Government of Canada will pay an amount of $12 million to the First Nation who will use these funds for purposes appropriate for its development.

"The Government of Canada is currently working in partnership with the First Nations to improve their quality of life, in accordance with Gathering Strength - Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan," stated Minister Nault. "This claim settlement will contribute to the economic and social development of the Huron-Wendat Nation by providing the First Nation an opportunity to invest in its future. The settlement will also benefit neighbouring communities as it will promote economic partnerships."

The Quarante Arpents Reserve issue arises from the federal Crown selling lands which were given to the Huron-Wendat Nation in 1742 by the Jesuits (by public auction in 1904).

In June 1984, alleging that the surrender of the former Quarante Arpents Reserve was not valid, the Huron-Wendat Nation submitted a specific claim in accordance with the federal Specific Claims Policy.

The claim was accepted for negotiation in 1991, on the basis that the surrender had not been approved by the majority of eligible voters, contrary to the provisions of the Indian Act, and that, therefore, the federal government had not complied with its fiduciary obligations to the First Nation. Negotiations started in 1992 and continued until 1999.

Recalling that the settlement of this issue has always been a priority for the successive band councils of the past fifteen years, Grand Chief Picard mentioned that "this settlement finally allows the Huron-Wendat community to secure redress for the prejudice it suffered in 1904 when the Quarante Arpents Reserve was unlawfully sold. By approving this settlement, the Hurons-Wendat have chosen to turn the page and to give themselves an opportunity to undertake new developmental projects for the community."

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