Caldwell moves closer to reaching land claim deal

LEAMINGTON, ON, Jan. 18 /CNW/ - The Caldwell First Nation has accepted an offer of settlement by the government of Canada to resolve its outstanding land claim. Canada has offered the Caldwell First Nation $105-million in compensation to settle the claim. "This is a major step forward for our people," says Caldwell First Nation Chief, Louise Hillier .

Chief Hillier, along with members of the Caldwell First Nation Council have been in talks with the federal government since April 2007 . However, Caldwell's dispute dates back 220 years, to the signing of the 1790 Treaty First Nations surrendered title to lands in southwestern Ontario. The Caldwell First Nation was not included as a signatory to that Treaty.

"This has been a rough road that Caldwell has traveled to arrive where we are today," says Chief Hillier. "But this settlement will help secure the future for the Nation and its members. We look forward to working with our neighbours to achieve a community that will be based on mutual cooperation and benefits for all," she says.

The deal still requires ratification by Caldwell band members. They received word about the offer to settle at a meeting held Sunday, January 17th in Leamington. Details are being finalized regarding ratification votes, which are expected to be held in the coming months.

The Caldwell First Nation represents approximately 280 members, who live across Canada and the United States . However, most Caldwell members reside in the Leamington and Kingsville areas.

For further information: Chief Louise Hillier, [phone]