March 2, 2022 — Ottawa, Ontario, Traditional unceded Algonquin Territory — Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada
The Government of Canada continues to work towards advancing reconciliation through the additions to reserve process. Expanding community land base is an important step by which First Nations can foster community and economic development.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; together with the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated the Klahoose First Nation on the recent expansion of their land base through the addition to reserve process.
A total of 14.30 acres (5.79 hectares) of land was added to the Tork Reserve on Cortes Island, B.C. The additional land will enable Klahoose to meet its current and future needs for both traditional and community uses.
Canada is committed to supporting economic development opportunities and growth in First Nation communities to support their vision of self-determination. Klahoose First Nation plans to develop this property as a possible camp site or RV locations to create an economic base for tourism.
Adding land to reserves contributes to First Nations development of healthier, more sustainable communities and contributes to regional revitalization, which benefits both their own and neighbouring communities.