'Long time coming': 5 Manitoulin chiefs welcome apology and settlement from Canada

The United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising (UCCM) have signed an historic settlement with the government of Canada in what they say is a key step toward healing and reconciliation.

The settlement includes an apology and $447.9 million to be shared among Aundeck Omni Kaning, M'Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning and Zhiibaahaasing First Nations and their members.

The negotiated resolution stems from the Crown's mismanagement of money from the sale of First Nations land on Manitoulin Island in the late 1800s.

Canada and the five Nations had signed an agreement laying out how they would benefit from a trust set up for the profits from land sales in 1892.

But instead, the federal government used the money intended for First Nations to build roads and open up Manitoulin Island for settlement.

On Oct. 26,  Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree delivered a formal statement of apology on behalf of the federal government.

He told about 100 people gathered in Aundeck Omni Kaning that the government had failed to fulfil its obligations and created injustices that were still being felt today.

"There is no way to undo the past, nor to fully atone for wrongs perpetuated over many decades," said Anandasangaree in a statement.

"In concluding a negotiated settlement that includes compensation to address historic wrongs, I believe that now we have the opportunity to open a new chapter, a chapter where trust can be rebuilt."

Patsy Corbiere, chief of Aundeck Omni Kaning and tribal chief of UCCM, said it's satisfying to finally reach this conclusion, especially without involving lawyers.

"It's been in the making for years, and years and years with no real progress," said Corbiere. 

"So negotiating actually works. It's not all about legal battles."

Chiefs from other Manitoulin communities welcomed the settlement as well. 

"Sheshegwaning is glad that Canada has taken this important step to resolve such long-standing breaches of fiduciary duty," said Chief Alana Endanawas.

In Zhiibaahaasing, Chief Irene Kells said: "our community suffered the loss of these funds for too many years. We look forward to finally building for our families and in line with our vision."

Corbiere said how the money will be distributed to five First Nations has not been finalized, but some of it will be set aside to fight other land claims. 

As for Aundeck Omni Kaning, she said they were looking at different things, but infrastructure topped the list.

Corbiere said she estimates that as many as 180 people have moved back to the community, especially with the recent Robinson-Huron Treaty settlement, yet there remains a critical shortage of housing and a need to upgrade water and sewer infrastructure.

"We don't have anywhere for a subdivision, for expansion, for economic development," said Corbiere. "It's actually done a lot of damage to every community including Aundeck Omni Kaning."