Seigneury Of Lake Of Two Mountains Specific Land Claim Of The Mohawks Of Kanesatake: Minister Strahl Appoints Federal Negotiator

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO (July 9, 2010) – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced the appointment of Fred Caron as Chief Federal Negotiator for negotiations on the Mohawks of Kanesatake's Seigneury of Lake of Two Mountains specific claim.

This appointment demonstrates Canada's commitment to continue to work at the negotiating table to resolve Kanesatake's specific claim.

“It is important for all parties that negotiations start off on the right track. And the appointment of Mr. Fred Caron – whose vast experience in complex multilateral land claims negotiations has brought him into contact with First Nations throughout the country as well as various provincial governments – will help ensure that these negotiations are successful,” said Minister Strahl.

In 1718, the King of France granted the Seigneury of Lake of Two Mountains to the Sulpicians.  The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake's Seigneury of Lake of Two Mountains claim relates to the rights held by the First Nation on the lands of the Seigneury that were sold by the Sulpicians to third parties over the years.

On April 14, 2008, Canada accepted the claim of the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake under the Specific Claims Policy and formally offered to negotiate the claim, thus reiterating its willingness to move forward on resolving this historical grievance through negotiations.

Biographical note - Mr. Fred Caron

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