WHAT ARE SPECIFIC LAND CLAIMS?
At one time, all the land in this country belonged to the Aboriginal peoples. Many First Nations entered into Treaties with Canada (or the Crown) that, among other things, established arrangements to share the land. Specific land claims arise when Canada has failed to set aside land under the treaties; where reserve land was taken illegally; or where Canada has improperly administered First Nations lands or other assets. Specific claims are lawful obligations or debts that are owed to First Nations by Canada. Claims are often resolved by providing financial compensation to the First Nation, by providing actual land as compensation, or a mix of both. WHY DOES CANADA NEED TO RESOLVE SPECIFIC CLAIMS? Justice: Specific claims are legal matters; they are lawful obligations that are legally enforceable. They are not discretionary spending. If an individual is legally wronged – a victim of theft or fraud, for example that person rightly expects legal remedies, including compensation. In a bas
