Government of Canada reaches $75 million settlement with First Nation north of Chilliwack
DEROCHE — Chief Alice Thompson, Leq’á:mel First Nation, and Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced Friday (Nov. 10) that the First Nation and the Government of Canada have reached a settlement involving the Leq’á:mel First Nation’s Klatwaas Colonial Reserve Reduction Specific Claim.
Minister Anandasangaree will be joining Chief Thompson in the community for a signing ceremony on Tuesday, November 14.
According to a news release from the federal government, Canada will provide the Leq’á:mel First Nation compensation in the amount of $75 million for allotting lands and then subsequently unilaterally reducing the reserve without compensation. This settlement agreement marks another step toward rebuilding Canada’s relationship and addressing the historical grievances to Leq’á:mel First Nation.
The Colony of British Columbia prior to confederation set aside approximately 2,000 acres in 1864 to create the Klatwaas Reserve. In 1868, the Colony of British Columbia unilaterally reduced the Klatwaas reserve without compensation.
