Algonquin Land Claim
Welcome to Ontario's website on the Algonquin land claim.
Here you'll find information on what the claim is all about, including its historical origins. You'll be able to survey a map of the territory in question, review our most frequently asked questions, order publications written about the claim and find out how you can learn even more about it.
In addition to educating the public, this site is also intended to provide a means to exchange information for the people interested in the claim. We welcome your comments.
What is the Algonquin Land Claim about?
The Algonquin claim is based on assertions of Aboriginal rights, which means that these negotiations address matters such as possible rights and title to land and natural resources, including the future exercise of hunting, fishing and gathering rights within the claim area.
Who is involved?
Government of Canada
Government of Ontario
Algonquins of Ontario
Land claim territory
The Algonquin land claim covers a territory of 36,000 square kilometres (8.9 million acres) that fall within the Ontario portion of the Ottawa and Mattawa River watersheds.
The area that is the subject of the Algonquin claim includes most of Algonquin Park as well as CFB Petawawa and the National Capital Region, including Parliament Hill.
Of the area within the claim territory, approximately 59 per cent is privately-held patented land, 21 per cent of the land mass is within Algonquin Park, 16 per cent is land held by Ontario as public lands and by provincial Crown corporations, and four per cent is federal Crown land.
This is the geographically largest and one of the most complex native land claims in Ontario under active negotiation. More than a million people reside and work within the claim territory.
What is Ontario's role?
To represent the broad provincial interests as well as the interests of non-Algonquin people who may be affected by the settlement agreement.
What are the elements of a possible claim settlement?
They may include economic development initiatives, land, financial compensation, defined resource harvesting rights covering fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering, and related cultural matters.
What will the settlement look like?
The final settlement is expected to take the form of a modern-day treaty which will provide certainty of legal title to lands in the region and will give legal force to a lasting and comprehensive settlement of all outstanding issues related to this Aboriginal claim.
Current Developments
December 2006:
As part of Ontario's ongoing preparatory work related to the Algonquin land claim negotiations, the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs has submitted a Declaration Order Request to address Ontario Environmental Assessment Act ( EA Act) requirements relating to the future settlement of the Algonquin land claim. The purpose is to meet Ontario's EA Act obligations in the most efficient and effective way possible through a comprehensive, transparent and traceable assessment process.
The Declaration Order Request submission is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of the Environment.
Should you wish more information, please contact the Ontario Information Centre on the Algonquin Land Claim.
