Canada and K'ómoks First Nation Settle Historic Claim

COURTENAY, BC, May 23, 2019 /CNW/ - Honouring Canada's lawful obligations to Indigenous people and working collaboratively to settle outstanding claims is key to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous people.

Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Chief Nicole Rempel of the K'ómoks First Nation celebrated with members of the K'ómoks First Nation a settlement resolving an outstanding historical grievance.

The specific claim involved the unlawful taking of timber revenues from logging operations on the First Nation's reserve land by an Indian Agent between 1925-1929.

The settlement agreement provides the K'òmoks First Nation with $495,731 in financial compensation.

Negotiated specific claim settlements help to right past wrongs, renew relationships and advance reconciliation for the benefit of First Nations and all Canadians.

Quotes

"Settling this long held claim is an important step in addressing a past wrong with K'òmoks First Nation. Negotiated settlements advance reconciliation and help us build a better Canada based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership."

Marc Miller
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

"I'd like to begin by thanking and acknowledging the Parliamentary Secretary for coming to K'omoks First Nation and addressing the Lomas specific claim. By acknowledging past wrongs committed against K'omoks First Nation and its members, and taking corrective action to right those wrongs is a positive step in the direction of reconciliation. While reconciliation is not a singular destination, when we open our hearts and minds to the notion of Indigenous rights and the 150 years of wrongs committed against the Indigenous peoples of Canada by the Crown, we move forward in a positive way. If in the spirit of reconciliation we recognize and respect those rights and begin correcting the actions committed against them, we are truly on the path to achieving respectful relations between the Crown and the original peoples of Canada."

Chief Nicole Rempel
K'òmoks First Nation

Quick Facts

• The K'ómoks First Nation is located in the heart of the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Membership is currently 336 members within four clans: Sathloot, Saseetla, Ieeksun and Puntledge. Two cultures are identified in their community: Coast Salish (Island-Comox speaking peoples) and Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwak̓ wala speaking peoples).
• To date, Canada has settled over 500 specific claims through negotiated settlements with First Nations across the country.

Associated Links
K'òmoks First Nation
Specific claims

Stay connected

Join the conversation about Indigenous peoples in Canada:

Twitter: GovCan – Indigenous
Facebook: GovCan – Indigenous Peoples
Instagram: @gcIndigenous

You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.cirnac.gc.ca/RSS

SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

Media may contact: Matthew Dillon-Leitch, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]; Tina McLean, K'òmoks First Nation, 250-339-4545 ext. 105

Related Links

https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca