Algonquin people informed about land claim status
The Daily Observer is reporting that Algonquins included in the ongoing land claim process will soon have an opportunity to review, consider and vote on an agreement-in-principal.
This according to Bob Potts, chief negotiator and senior legal counsel for the Algonquins of Ontario in the land claims negotiations with the provincial and federal governments, who was on hand Saturday to provide an update on the negotiations during the fourth annual Nation Gathering held at Riverside Park in Pembroke.
The goal is to resolve the land claim through a negotiated settlement in the form of a modern-day treaty. This treaty will include certainty about the ownership, use and management of the land and natural resources for all parties. This will contribute to a more stable social, political, and economic environment and create greater potential for economic development, jobs and growth.
The hope is to hold a vote in early 2013. He called this a historic moment because Algonquins will be voting on something that will affect their people for generations to come.
The land claim includes an area of 14,000 square miles within the watersheds of the Kitchissippi (Ottawa) and Mattawa Rivers of Ontario. The unsurrendered territory of the Algonquins covers most of Eastern Ontario including Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court of Canada, numerous international embassies, Algonquin Park and CFB/ASU Petawawa. It is estimated more than 1.2 million people live and work within the claim area.