Tobique First Nation in western New Brunswick has approved a nearly $40-million land claim that’s been under negotiation for more than 40 years.
Members voted 865 in favour and 186 against on Wednesday night, said Chief Ross Perley. There were three spoiled ballots, he said.
The $39.2-million settlement from the federal government is compensation for 10,000 acres of land near the reserve — or more than 4,000 hectares — that was taken over by Ottawa a century ago.
Under the deal, each member will receive at least $13,500, which could drastically change their lives.
It will not affect fishing or hunting rights, according to Perley.
Eighty per cent of the money will go to the more than 2,000 band members, including children, whose share will be held in trust until they’re 18 years old.
The other 20 per cent of the lump sum will go toward a trust to be used for community development and the purchase of a new piece of land.