Press Release
Couchiching, Mitaanjigamiing, Naicatchewenin, and Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nations announced yesterday they have reached a final settlement with Canada and Ontario over legal claims related to the “Agency 1” Reserve located near Fort Frances.
“It took many years of collective effort to reach this point,” Couchiching Chief Brian Perrault said on behalf of the four First Nations.
“We are very pleased to have reached a deal with Canada and Ontario that addresses the past,” he noted.
“This settlement will allow us to move toward the future in the spirit of co-operation with everyone.”
The settlement does not change the status of the Agency 1 lands, including the park and the roads.
Although not a component of the settlement, the First Nations would like to see some of the Agency 1 lands returned to reserve and intend to work co-operatively with Canada, Ontario, and the Town of Fort Frances on this initiative.
Their aim is to revitalize the lands and spur economic development that will benefit their First Nations and the entire region.
More information about this will be made available soon.
