What is the federal governments responsibility for land claims?
At Confederation, the power to make laws was divided between the federal government and the provinces. The Constitution Act, 1867 assigns to the federal government exclusive jurisdiction over “Indians, and Lands reserved for the Indians.” The provinces were assigned the ownership and management of Crown lands and natural resources that are located within a province. Both the federal and provincial governments often need to be involved in resolving claims because: • They may have played a role in the historical events that give rise to a claim. • Land claims often assert rights to provincial Crown lands, natural resources or private property.
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