Accessibility Notice
Section VI: Negotiations and Land Claims
Two of the most prominent and important issues involving Aboriginal people in Canada
are land claims and treaty rights. Yet, despite their high-profile status, these two concepts
are often misunderstood by the public. Before looking at the opinions of Canadians
regarding these issues, it is important that they be clearly defined.
First Nations signed treaties with various British and Canadian governments before and
after Confederation in 1867. No two treaties are identical, but they usually provide for
certain rights, including reserve lands, annuities (a sum of money paid each year), and
hunting and fishing rights.
Land claims, on the other hand, are divided into two broad classes: comprehensive and
specific. Comprehensive claims are based on the recognition that there are continuing
Aboriginal rights to lands and natural resources. These kinds of claims arise in those
parts of Canada where Aboriginal title has not been dealt with by treaty or other legal
means. Specific claims arise when there is an outstanding historical grievance between a
First Nation and the Crown that relates to an unfulfilled obligation of a treaty or another
agreement, or a breach of statutory responsibilities by the Crown.
A – Land Claims: Awareness
- As mentioned above, there is a high media awareness for the issue of land claims
among the general public. Currently, land claims (19%) are the second highest issue
mentioned when Canadians are prompted to recall an Aboriginal issue that has
recently been in the news.
- This issue is second only to policing issues/Kanesatake (20%) as a top of mind
Aboriginal media issue for Canadians.
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- When asked an unprompted question on the single most serious issue or problem
facing Aboriginal peoples in Canada today, Canadians currently place land claims
settlements (14%) fourth on the list of priorities.
- Even though land claims settlements remain a relatively high top of mind priority
issue, the number has dropped three points since the question was last asked in 2002.
Accessibility Notice
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