SONGHEES FIRST NATION AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SETTLE RAIL SPUR CLAIM

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ESQUIMALT, BC (November 24, 2005) - The Songhees First Nation and the Government of Canada have signed a Settlement Agreement respecting a specific claim concerning 1.13 acres of land. Through this agreement, the Songhees First Nation will have the land returned to them and receive $1,240,000 in compensation.

“This successful settlement gives the Songhees First Nation an opportunity to once again use the claim lands for the benefit of its members,” stated the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “This is also evidence of the Government of Canada’s commitment to honouring its lawful obligations to First Nations by negotiating agreements that bring full and final closure to longstanding claims to the benefit of all Canadians.”

Resolved claims settlements enable First Nations to strengthen the social and economic well-being of their communities, promoting development both on First Nation lands and in surrounding communities.

The Songhees First Nation alleged that the 1.13 acres of land had remained part of the Songhees Indian Reserve No 1A but had been used by Canada without proper authority as a rail spur since 1920. Canada agreed to accept this claim for negotiation under the Specific Claims Policy. The Indian Land Registry has been clarified to reflect that the lands remain as part of the Songhees Indian Reserve.

The Agreement was ratified by the Songhees First Nation on October 21, 2005. A resounding 97% of those who voted were in favour of the Agreement. The Songhees First Nation is located just west of Victoria, British Columbia.

For further information, contact:

Lisa Barrett
BC Region - Communications
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(604) 775-6143