LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION SUCCESSFUL IN SECURING ADDITIONAL LAND THROUGH CROWN-INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA PROCESS
MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
For Immediate Release
LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION SUCCESSFUL IN SECURING ADDITIONAL LAND THROUGH CROWN-INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA PROCESS
Longlac, ON – Long Lake #58 First Nation is pleased to announce success in securing additional land through the federal Additions to Reserve policy, in conjunction with its Land Code Policy, under the First Nations Land Management Act, which came into force on April 1, 2017. Effective June 17, 2020, and as confirmed by the Honorable Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett—an additional 1,690.435 hectares (4,177.145 acres) including mines and minerals, has been added to reserve for the use and benefit of the members of our First Nation.
Long Lake #58 First Nation leadership, through the request of community members, had been working on securing a larger land base for more than 45 years to offset our limited one square mile (640 acres) of land provided for us by the Federal Government in 1905. With more than 1500 members this tiny land base provided very limited opportunities for any kind of development for membership.
Throughout this long process, Long Lake #58 First Nation leadership ensured that the community was brought along and fully informed of the changes and opportunities that were taking place. Success was reached in accessing funding to purchase the land, and later to start the development of a Lands Department. A Lands Use Plan was also finalized where many community members (including children and youth) gave their valuable input. Together, with both the Federal and Provincial Governments, the wishes and dreams of this Land Use Plan can become a reality through these additional lands.
Long Lake #58 First Nation continues to be in a land claim process and wants to clarify that it is not part of this current announcement.
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For more information, please contact Carol Audet, Communications Manager – Matawa First Nations at (807) 632-9663 or by email at caudet@matawa.on.ca
Quotes:
“This Addition to Reserve negotiations has been a long time coming. The original work came from our Long Lake #58 members to our leadership of the day. Each and every Chief and members of Council since have kept this process a priority. Throughout this process, the members have been updated and a plan formulated as to what we will do with the additional land. Acquiring this additional land is one important piece of the plan. Now, the next piece of this work can begin with the details of making the Land Use Plan and it’s contents therein a reality. The additional land does bring the hope of building a stronger and healthier community. It is a very exciting time for me as your current Chief, to begin the next phase of this important plan. Miigwech to all who gave their all to making this a reality today.”
– Chief Judy Desmoulin, Long Lake #58 First Nation
“This Addition to Reserve will ensure community members of Long Lake #58 First Nation benefit from economic development opportunities to support their growth. Our work together is another step in advancing reconciliation and improving the treaty relationship with First Nations. I wish Chief Desmoulin and Long Lake #58 First Nation great success in their continued development.”
– The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P. Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
“This Addition to Reserve is an exciting accomplishment for Long Lake #58 and the Thunder Bay-Superior North riding. The additional land will allow the community to explore economic and social opportunities to further the health and well-being of their members. Congratulations to the leadership, past and present, for the decades of collaboration, hard work, and determination to see this vision to reality.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North