NAN Congratulates Beaverhouse First Nation on Historic Treaty Claim

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Derek Fox, on behalf of the NAN Executive Council, congratulates Beaverhouse First Nation for reaching a historic Treaty Reserve Claim with their federal Treaty partner which formally recognizes the community as a distinct First Nation:

“We are pleased to join with the leadership and members of Beaverhouse First Nation to celebrate this historic Treaty Claim that finally recognizes the community and confirms their rightful authority in their traditional territory.

As this community was not a signatory to Treaty No. 9, they have not been able to assert jurisdiction over their traditional territory or fully benefit from resource development on their land. The acceptance of their Claim is a huge accomplishment and paves the way to begin negotiations with the federal government to resolve historic grievances.

Recognition of band status will provide the community and its citizens the same rights as all First Nations across the country and will bring more supports and services to their members.

Congratulations to Chief Wabie, Council, and past leaders who have worked so hard to reach this milestone. This is a historic achievement that all citizens can be proud of and will set the foundation to right many historic wrongs. We are pleased that the Crown has accepted this Claim and look forward to the new opportunities it will create for this community.”’

Beaverhouse First Nation submitted its Claim to Canada and Ontario in 2018. The Claim asserted that the community retains Aboriginal rights and title to its traditional lands, and that Canada and Ontario have unjustifiably interfered with its rights and title through the issuance of Crown patents, tenures, leases, and other forms of alienation to third parties, without recognizing Beaverhouse as an Indian band.

An acceptance letter was received on April 19, 2022, recognizing Beaverhouse as First Nation collectivity, having Section 35 rights under the Canadian Constitution. This will allow the community to achieve the band status recognition denied for the last 116 years.