MFN Celebrates Signing of Boundary Claim Settlement Agreement
Michipicoten First Nation celebrated a momentous day in its history on May 29, 2008. A number of dignitaries and local residents joined together to witness the signing of the Boundary Claim Settlement Agreement. Following a successful ratification vote held on January 12, 2008, Chief Joe Buckell and the Michipicoten First Nation Council authorized a resolution calling for the negotiated land claim agreement to be signed by all three governments.. That resolution was fulfilled symbolically at the celebration on Reserve. Ralph Brant, Director General Specific Claims Canada and Meish Podlog, Chief negotiator Ontario joined Chief Joe Buckell at the table and signed a copy of the Boundary Claim Settlement Agreement.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Elder Dave Swanson said an opening ceremony and prayer. Holding an eagle feather in his hand, he welcomed everyone to the ceremony and gave honour and thanks to all present and to everyone who had been involved in the settlement negotiations over the past 12 years. Councillor William Swanson, Sr, also spoke about the difficulties MFN has undergone throughout the years, and praised the hard work of everyone who worked towards a solution. An honour song was sung by the All Nations Drummers. Ralph Brant, Director General Specific Claims Canada spoke to the audience, and noted that this claim settlement package represents the second largest specific land claim settlement in Ontario, and also represents some very unique work in settling this in record time. Meish Podlog, Chief Negotiator Ontario echoed Ralph's comments, adding that the preparations by MFN for this negotiation process were always well thought out and prepared. After the signing, a number of gifts were presented to those who assisted in the 12 year process, and a very special one was presented to Chief Joe Buckell. A copy of the original Huron-Superior Robinson Treaty was presented to Chief Joe Buckell by Meish Podlog, Chief Negotiator Ontario.
Once again Dave Swanson said prayer to close the ceremony, and after some drumming from the Healing Lodge Singers and the All Nation Drummers, preparations for the Feast began. Elder Irene Piche blessed the food, and did a Spirit Dish Offering. A beautiful feast was served with tasty desserts. The land claim settlement package amounts to $58.8 million dollars, in both land value and monetary compensation. Of the original 13 potential claims put forward under the pilot project process, four resulted in no claim being filed, three have been negotiated and settled, and three have been resolved through administrative referral. The last remaining claim is the Boundary Claim. Accepted for negotiation by Canada in 2003, the negotiating parties undertook joint land appraisals and loss-of-use studies that resulted in the present settlement.
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