Back garden River approves $10B annuities settlement, completing historic offer

EDITOR’S Note: A variation of this short article originally appeared on SooToday on Nov. 2. It is remaining republished here for readers who could have missed it.

Backyard garden River First Country has formally accepted the $10-billion settlement arrangement between Robinson Huron Treaty beneficiaries, Canada and Ontario for unpaid treaty annuity increases dating back to the late 1800s — a go that now makes the historic settlement a accomplished deal. 

Back garden River 1st Country Chief Karen Bell verified with SooToday Thursday that all 21 First Nations inside of Robinson Huron Treaty territory have now signed off on the settlement agreement, and that her local community was the last one to indication it.

Ironically, Bell stated, Back garden River was the very last neighborhood to sign off on the Robinson Huron Treaty itself in 1850. 

This earlier September, leadership in Garden River 1st Nation publicly opposed what it called “unequal and unfair” programs to distribute the proposed $10-billion settlement in the Robinson Huron Treaty annuities claim between the To start with Nations.  

Band elections happened in Back garden River To start with Country afterwards that thirty day period, which saw just two council customers retain their seats on the new-appear council. 

The adhering to is a release from Backyard garden River To start with Nation: 

November 1st, 2023, Backyard garden River Initially Country, Ontario – Chief Karen Bell of the Back garden River First Country announced the acceptance of the settlement agreement on Oct 30th, 2023, marking a momentous move towards equitable sharing of earnings, as a direct end result of the extraction of means within just the Robinson Huron Treaty area of Northeastern Ontario. This historical settlement was achieved among 21 Robinson Huron Treaty Initially Nations, Canada and the Province of Ontario.

“After decades of perseverance, this marks a new chapter for Yard River 1st Nation, firmly rooted in regard and co-existence,” mentioned Chief Bell. “Our ancestors envisioned collaboration based on equality and nation-to-nation interactions and right now, we move nearer to that eyesight. We stand by that vision and the exclusive romantic relationship we have with the Crown.”

Main Bell emphasized, “This is extra than just compensation it’s about acknowledging and reaffirming the first intent and spirit of the Robinson Huron Treaty. The signing of the Settlement Agreement relates to previous payment related with the annuities clause in just the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850, and in no way impedes, results, or diminishes the legal rights affirmed as outlined in the Treaty.”

This settlement settlement now affords all 21 Initially Country signatories of the treaty compensation for the absence of honest payment of the extractions of nickel, copper, uranium, and timber in the Treaty space. The Backyard River 1st Nation’s determination to indicator will come at a pivotal instant in heritage. It signifies a stage towards rectifying longstanding injustices and honouring commitments of the Crown manufactured in excess of a century in the past. 

“Today, we not only honour our previous, but also safe a much more affluent and sustainable future for the Country,” additional Main Bell.

As the Country moves ahead, Chief Bell stays optimistic about the options in the upcoming. “Our journey to equitable payment and equal resource sharing has been prolonged and tough. I want to admit our Elders listed here in Garden River who we consulted with, the previous leaders and all 21 Very first Nations, for their initiatives in complicated and trying to get the intent and real truth of the Treaty. An great volume of exertion eventually resulted in the fruition of the settlement agreement. Furthermore, the commitment for the properly becoming of our people and our lands, hardly ever wavered,” Chief Bell concluded.