August 26, 2024 — (Robinson Superior Treaty Territory, ON) — Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

At a community event on August 24, Chief Yvette Metansinine of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services on behalf of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced that Canada and the First Nation have reached a historic $130 million claim settlement to address the First Nation’s Treaty Reserve Claim against Canada, advance reconciliation, and renew their Nation-to-Nation relationship.

Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek’s Treaty Reserve Claim asserts that their ancestors made up a separate and distinct First Nation who was not present at the signing of the Robinson Superior Treaty in 1850 but adhered sometime shortly after 1850. In their claim, Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek seeks reserve land under the Treaty, as well as financial compensation for not having a reserve since 1850.

Achieved through collaboration and dialogue, this settlement recognizes that Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek is a party to the Treaty. It also provides financial compensation from Canada to Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek. The longer-term work toward a land-related settlement continues between the First Nation, Ontario, and Canada.

Honouring the Treaty relationship is a fundamental part of advancing reconciliation in Canada and rebuilding trust with First Nation communities.