News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas - Bob Kennedy
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network

August 23, 2010 - It has taken more than 200 years for the Caldwells in southwestern Ontario to get justice from Canada. On the weekend Caldwell First Nation members overwhelmingly approved the specific claim settlement agreement. The ratification vote attracted 152 of the 196 Caldwell members who qualified as eligible voters. Four voted against the deal. The settlement includes $105 million in financial compensation to resolve the claim. It also provides for the establishment of an urban reserve in Leamington, with the Caldwells given thirty years to purchase the land for reserve creation. This specific claim dates back to events that took place over 200 years ago and relates to reserve land and other benefits promised in a 1790 Treaty as well as to land that was promised during the War of 1812. Chief Louise Hillier of the Caldwell First Nation was quoted earlier this year, "We have been waiting a long time for the promises made to us to be honoured". Historically, the Caldwell First Nation (also known as the Chippewas of Point Pelee) lived as a distinct First Nation in the Point Pelee area. In May 1790, the Ottawa, Chippewa, Pottawatomi and Huron surrendered a large tract of land in southwestern Ontario, including Point Pelee. This surrender was done in exchange for goods and certain lands were set aside as reserve lands out of the treaty area for their use. However, the Caldwell First Nation did not sign or benefit from the treaty. The Caldwell First Nation served as allies of the British during the War of 1812. In consideration of this service, the First Nation was promised reserve land at Point Pelee. Some members of the Caldwell First Nation continued to occupy Point Pelee, with the support of the Government, until the late 1850s. Records also indicate that since at least 1839, the Caldwell First Nation complained about encroachments on its lands. Members of the First Nation were gradually forced to leave Point Pelee due to the encroachment by settlers, with the last members leaving in the 1860s. The Caldwell First Nation has pressed its claim for land since the 1830s without success. At various times in the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, the Government of Canada took some preliminary steps to provide a reserve for the Caldwell First Nation. None of these attempts was ever completed and the First Nation remains without a land base and other benefits under the 1790 Treaty. The Specific Claims process has been a long arduous one for the Caldwells. Their specific claim was first accepted for negotiation by the Government of Canada in 1996 following thorough historical research and review. The Government of Canada and the Caldwell First Nation reached an Agreement-in-Principle on October 30, 1998. A ratification vote on a proposed settlement was held on August 9, 2003, but the results of this vote were nullified by the Minister of Indian Affairs based on an independent investigation which found that there were technical irregularities with the voting process that could have affected the outcome of the vote. The Government of Canada and the First Nation resurrected their negotiations in 2006. Canada made its final offer in January of this year and it was ratified by the community this past weekend.

Previously reported . . .

Caldwell First Nation To Vote Again on Land Claim Agreement! ( August 2006 Update! This is an Audio Report .mp3 file ) News and Comment by Tehaliwaskenhas Bob Kennedy, Oneida Copyright Turtle Island Native Network http://www.turtleisland.org August 18, 2006 - Chief Larry Johnson told Turtle Island Native Network he feels vindicated. The Caldwell First Nation (Chippewas of Point Pelee and Pelee Island) has won its long and hard-fought battle to have another community ratification vote on its $23.4 Million specific land claim settlement agreement. It has taken Indian Affairs three years to get back to Chief Johnson on the review of the August 9th, 2003 ratification vote that saw the agreement rejected by only six votes. The Chief and Council of the 250 member southwestern Ontario first nation appealed because of significant voting irregularities, and now Indian Affairs has agreed that a new vote can take place. A letter from Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice informed Chief Johnson that the results of the 2003 ratification vote have been nullified. It has been a long, winding and bumpy road to get to this point. In 1998 the government of Canada made an offer to settle the land claim. Once the news reached Chatham/Kent area, the proverbial shit hit the fan, spewing out a lot of "nasty politics . . . dirty dealings". Fear mongering, racism and extreme redneck politics reared their ugly heads because the Caldwells planned to establish a reserve-based community. "People were shouting obscenties outside my house at 2a.m.," recalled Chief Johnson. The not-in-my-backyard mentality grew amongst the conservative right wingers. Even the Liberal Member of Parliament for the area, opposed the Caldwells. Hatred against the First Nation manifested itself in racial slurs, public pronouncements by local citizens and their municipal leaders. Caldwell First Nation members were forced into security duty to protect their property. But a deal is a deal, and eventually the First Nation held a vote on the agreement five years later. It became clear by the prominence of racism, that the Chatham/Kent community was living in fear and ignorance of what the Caldwells were trying to do. While the outside world continued to cast aspirtions on the Caldwells without even trying to get the facts, internal community problems snowballed. Some members wanted to get their hands on some of the cash. Others targeted the chief, labelling him a bad guy and councilors as money grabbers. When the vote was held the agreement was rejected. But Chief Larry Johnson, who had fought for thirty years to bring justice to his people, was not about to accept the voice of a handful of selfish, negative nellies. Chief and Council investigated and found serious voting irregularities and filed an appeal with Indian Affairs. Various legal actions surfaced - back and forth between Chief and Council and their opponents who carried on with their efforts to scuttle the deal - but those legal efforts were futile. Some band members even sided with local non-natives who had made it clear they opposed the Caldwells on the base principle they did not want an Indian reserve near them. "There was a smear campaign," said Chief Johnson. While the Caldwells endured racial outbursts from outside the community, there was internal, anonymous hate mail against chief and council, saying they were going to get paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for working on the land claim. That contributed to a break down in trust. When it came time to vote, some members didn't follow the rules when voting by mail. For example family members witnessed for each other on declarations - spouses witnessed for spouses, and that sort of thing sparked the appeal. But Chief Johnson also cited an example for Turtle Island Native Network, of the challenges he and Council faced, "We had people go against the land claim, like our own band members, and sometimes it was just for personal reasons. Several years ago we had to push a dope dealer out of our community and he became enraged and told his family not to support the land claim, so we lost a few votes that way. . . it gets down to some down and dirty stuff." Now Chief Johnson looks forward to another ratification vote and is hopeful the land claim agreement will receive community approval. In order for the settlement agreement to be ratified, a majority of eligible voters must cast ballots, and a majority of those who cast ballots would need to vote in favour. All Caldwell First Nation members of legal voting age are eligible to exercise their right to cast a vote on the proposed settlement and trust agreements. The settlement agreement would become final once they are ratified through the vote by the Caldwell First Nation and then signed by the Chief and Council of the First Nation and by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. The trust agreement would become final once it is ratified through the vote of the Caldwell First Nation and signed by Chief, Council and Trustees of the First Nation. After that, Chief Johnson will move ahead with reserve creation and further steps toward self determination for the Caldwells, "to make a fair future for our children and grandchildren". The Caldwells have been struggling for nearly two hundred and twenty years to secure a land base. If ratified by the members of the Caldwell First Nation, the Agreement will provide the Caldwell First Nation with $23.4 million and they may purchase up to 4,500 acres of land and have it as reserve land. Currently, the Caldwell community includes a half dozen houses and seven hundred acres of land at Blenheim, Ontario. Chief Johnson explained, "We have people living all over North America. Maybe 60 per cent of our people live somewhere between Windsor and Toronto." Chief Johnson Tells Turtle Island Native Network He Looks Toward a Better Future for His People NOTE: This is an MP3 File Listen With Quick Time - Download Free Player - HERE! If and when the land claim settlement agreement takes effect, by way of comment I suggest to people who have stood in the way of the Caldwells, that they carefully read the following words of Chief Johnson, included here from a letter he wrote to the local municipality seven years ago. "We have been neighbours for more than two centuries. When the first European settlers arrived in this part of the world, our ancestors were already here. We have treaty relations with the Crown going back to the 1760's - treaties that provide for a clear and respectful political relationship based on peace and mutual respect and assistance. Pursuant to those treaties, our men fought in every war the Crown asked us to - from the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 to the two World Wars, and the Korean War. Until recently, we have never had any agreement with the Crown about land. When, in 1790, aboriginal title to this territory was transferred to the Crown, our Chiefs, Quenesis and Medwayosh, were not there. The aboriginal people who participated in that transaction ended up with 'reserves'. We did not. Nevertheless, we continued to live at our traditional home at Point Pelee, and to use the surrounding territory in our traditional ways, for generations afterward. The Crown's Indian Department knew us as the Chippewas of Point Pelee. When settlement began to interfere with our use and occupation of the land, our Chiefs began to make formal claims to the Crown for land and for protection. It has taken more than a century for the Crown to address those claims fairly. In October 1998 we made an agreement in principle with the Government of Canada concerning land. Canada will provide cash - over time, we will acquire land that will become the Caldwell Indian Reserve. There will be a Caldwell Indian Reserve. Please do not underestimate our determination. Our forebears persevered for over a century to get justice, and we are equally determined to make a fair future for our children and grandchildren. Our Council is a government, one that is recognized in Canadian federal legislation as well as in the Canadian constitution. We have the authority to make laws for our people and our land. We intend to do so – and we intend to do so in a way that also respects the rights of our neighbours. Three basic principles should govern any relations we have - The first is neighbourliness, with all that implies - good will, respect, and tolerance. The second is reciprocity. We expect you to provide the same kind of commitments to us that we make to you. The third is fairness. We propose to apply these principles to each issue. We hope these ideas will help us work toward specific agreements, which will guide our relations for the future. Environmental Protection - Federal environmental protection laws regulate many aspects of the use of Indian reserve land. We are strongly committed to environmental protection, and are prepared to agree to meet specific standards -though we would expect you to agree to maintain the same standards. Expropriation - There won't be any. We will buy our land from willing sellers in the existing real estate market. We will take our time. Access - If any person's property is surrounded by reserve land, we will guarantee that this will not interfere with that person's right of access to the property, either personally or for the delivery of utilities. We expect the same commitment of access in respect of reserve land surrounded by private or municipal land. Drainage - We recognize that drainage is an important issue in low-lying agricultural country. We are prepared to enter into an agreement with the municipal government to provide for the identification and management of existing drainage works and the construction or alteration of future drainage works. Basically, we should agree that existing drainage will be maintained - and that where drainage works on our reserve, the responsibility for maintaining them is ours, financially as well as legislatively. Any proposed changes in drainage should be matters in which we would give each other notice, more or less as provided in the present provincial Drainage Act. We would like to see an effective, informal dispute resolution process, accessible to individuals as well as governments, as well as a clear environmental review of any proposed changes. Taxation - The Caldwell Reserve provided for in our agreement in principle with Canada is likely to reach a size of about 4,500 acres, acquired over a 25-year span. That's about 1/4 of one percent of the total acreage of the municipality of Chatham-Kent. The tax impact of this land becoming reserve land will be minimal, as a factor in the municipality's total budget. The impact would be even smaller considering that we are prepared to pay fairly for any municipal services we contract for. We may want to use municipal fire protection and garbage collection services, for example, and we would expect to pay for them at the same rates as people occupying land use for the same purposes as ours. Services we don't expect to use - like political representation from your municipal council - we believe we shouldn't have to pay for. We want to have a clear and pragmatic understanding of this issue, and a fair agreement on the services we may use and the payment we would make for them. Land Use - It is true that our Council would have the authority to make laws about the use of land on the Caldwell Indian Reserve, as your Council has the same authority in the municipality. We don't apologize for having that authority and that right. We are committed, though, to using that right in a considerate way, so as not to injure our neighbours or their land. We expect this commitment to be reciprocal." If someone asks me to define self-determination and good leadership, I will point to Chief Larry Johnson and the Caldwell First Nation. - - - - - - - Click on photo to see larger image - - - - - - - "The creation of a reserve for the Caldwell First Nation will resolve an historical grievance dating back to 1790. This agreement will provide the Caldwell First Nation with the opportunity to secure a land base after having been without one for so long. It will also provide the First Nation with the means to launch economic development initiatives that will strengthen the local community and economy." ... Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault. December 21, 2000 - - - - - - - Click below for More Photos 1. Mary Lou Smoke & Ann Pohl 2.Perry & Cheyenne Kechego 3. On the way out of London 4. Christine, Janice & Serena 5. Elson, Siberia 6. Charles Fox, Andrew Reuben 7. Glenn & Stan, Oneida 8. Chatham City Hall Rally 9. Delivering a Message to Chatham 10.Elder Janice Longboat 11.Women's Drum 12. Not For Sale Use this form to access Caldwell News and Information Updates and Background -------------- January 2010 Caldwell First Nation received $105-million land claim settlement offer -------------- 2001 Caldwell First Nation target of more Chatham-Kent legal action ------------- Caldwell First Nation and Indian Affairs score a legal win against Chatham-Kent ------------- Larry Johnson got re-elected as Caldwell Chief ------------- Gathering the Voices - Indigenous Women for Respect against Racism ------------- Gathering of Voices & Walk Against Racism -------------- April 25th,2001 report from Dan Smoke -------------- April 23rd, 2001 walk gets underway with strong support -------------- April 18th, 2001 Native Youth - Respect for All Peoples Rally ------------- December 2000 report ------------- Previous reports from 2000 ------------- Click Here to Access More News, Feature Stories and Archives ------------- News and Comment by Tehaliwaskenhas - Bob Kennedy Copyright Turtle Island Native Network Urban Reserve and $105 million compensation Caldwell First Nation members in southwestern Ontario are on the verge of settling one of Canada's largest Specific Claims. January 18th, 2010 They've reached a major milestone in the process because Canada has tabled a settlement offer and the Caldwell First Nation has agreed to take this offer to its members for a vote this Spring. The proposed settlement includes $105 million in financial compensation to resolve the claim. It also provides for the establishment of an urban reserve in Leamington, with the Caldwells given thirty years to purchase the land for reserve creation. This specific claim dates back to events that took place over 200 years ago and relates to reserve land and other benefits promised in a 1790 Treaty as well as to land that was promised during the War of 1812. Chief Louise Hillier of the Caldwell First Nation is pleased that this longstanding issue is moving towards resolution. "We have been waiting a long time for the promises made to us to be honoured," she said. The next step in the resolution process is for the negotiators to draft a Settlement Agreement. When this work is complete, the First Nation will launch an information campaign to explain the proposed settlement to its members. No settlement is possible without the vote and approval of First Nation members. If a favourable vote is reached, the next step is for the parties to sign the Settlement Agreement. The agreement would not be final until it is signed by both parties. Historically, the Caldwell First Nation (also known as the Chippewas of Point Pelee) lived as a distinct First Nation in the Point Pelee area. In May 1790, the Ottawa, Chippewa, Pottawatomi and Huron surrendered a large tract of land in southwestern Ontario, including Point Pelee. This surrender was done in exchange for goods and certain lands were set aside as reserve lands out of the treaty area for their use. However, the Caldwell First Nation did not sign or benefit from the treaty. The Caldwell First Nation served as allies of the British during the War of 1812. In consideration of this service, the First Nation was promised reserve land at Point Pelee. Some members of the Caldwell First Nation continued to occupy Point Pelee, with the support of the Government, until the late 1850s. Records also indicate that since at least 1839, the Caldwell First Nation complained about encroachments on its lands. Members of the First Nation were gradually forced to leave Point Pelee due to the encroachment by settlers, with the last members leaving in the 1860s. The Caldwell First Nation has pressed its claim for land since the 1830s without success. At various times in the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, the Government of Canada took some preliminary steps to provide a reserve for the Caldwell First Nation. None of these attempts was ever completed and the First Nation remains without a land base and other benefits under the 1790 Treaty. The Specific Claims process has been a long arduous one for the Caldwells. Their specific claim was first accepted for negotiation by the Government of Canada in 1996 following thorough historical research and review. The Government of Canada and the Caldwell First Nation reached an Agreement-in-Principle on October 30, 1998. A ratification vote on a proposed settlement was held on August 9, 2003, but the results of this vote were nullified by the Minister of Indian Affairs based on an independent investigation which found that there were technical irregularities with the voting process that could have affected the outcome of the vote. The Government of Canada and the First Nation resurrected their negotiations in 2006. - - - Fact Sheet - Caldwell First Nation Specific Claim The Government of Canada and the Caldwell First Nation are working together to resolve an outstanding specific claim through negotiations. The goal of this process is to find a common solution to resolve this claim in a way that is fair to everyone. At a Glance: The claim The Caldwell First Nation's claim dates back to events that took place over 200 years ago. The claim relates to reserve land and other benefits promised in a 1790 Treaty as well as to land at Point Pelee that was promised during the War of 1812. The basis of the claim is that the First Nation did not receive the land and other benefits that it should have received over 200 years ago. Looking Ahead: The settlement of this claim will resolve a historic grievance dating back to 1790 and 1812. It will provide the Caldwell First Nation with the means to start building a land base for its people after having been without one for so long. The settlement will enable the First Nation to invest directly in the local economy through the purchase of land and new opportunities for economic development that will bring long-term benefits to First Nation members. These investments, in turn, can generate spin-off economic benefits for neighbouring communities and the potential for new business partnerships. History of the Negotiations Negotiations to resolve this claim began in 1996. Canada and the First Nation reached an Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) in 1998. However, the parties were unable to move forward on this AIP due to a failed ratification vote that took place in 2003. Renewed negotiations to conclude a settlement of the claim began in the fall of 2006. Recent Milestones Negotiators for the parties have concluded talks on the key elements of a revised Settlement Agreement. Canada has tabled a settlement offer and the First Nation has agreed to take this offer to its members for a vote. This is an important step in the process, which brings the parties one step closer to achieving a final resolution of this longstanding claim. Key Elements of the Proposed Settlement The proposed settlement includes both financial compensation and a land component. This is in keeping with the approach that is used to settle other land-related specific claims across the country. Under the proposed settlement, Canada will provide the First Nation with approximately $105 million in compensation. Research was done during the negotiations to determine how much compensation would be fair to resolve the claim. Ultimately, the proposed settlement is the result of negotiations between the parties. In return for this compensation, the First Nation will provide Canada with a release of its claim to ensure the claim can never be re-opened. Settlements must bring closure for all concerned. How does the settlement deal with land issues? The same framework that is in place for negotiating agreements elsewhere in Canada applies to the settlement of the Caldwell First Nation's claim. Canada does not expropriate land to settle any claims. No land will be taken away from anyone to settle this claim. Nor will anyone be asked to sell their land unwillingly. The First Nation can use some of its settlement funds to buy land on the open market. Under the settlement, the First Nation can buy up to 6,540 acres of land and ask Canada to give those lands reserve status. If it pursues this option, the First Nation will have up to 30 years to buy land and start the reserve creation process. Reserve Creation: At a Glance A reserve will not suddenly be created for the Caldwell First Nation when the claim is settled. Nor will any lands purchased by the First Nation automatically become reserve lands. Any such lands must first meet the terms of the settlement and the criteria of Canada's Additions-to-Reserves Policy. This means that a number of steps must first be completed before any lands can be given reserve status. These steps include, for example, an environmental site assessment and First Nation-led consultation with municipal and provincial governments. Third Party Interests The interests of third parties are being taken into account in this process. The following principles have guided these negotiations and shaped the proposed settlement. The protection of private property: The rights of private land owners to make use of and access their land will be protected under the settlement. No privately-owned land will be expropriated to settle this claim. If any land changes hands after a settlement, it will be on a willing-seller/willing-buyer basis. The preservation of Point Pelee National Park: It has been agreed that Point Pelee National Park will remain a park for the use and enjoyment of everyone. The sharing of information with the public: The parties made efforts to update interested parties as key milestones were reached during this joint process. This has included press releases, publications, information meetings and open houses. These efforts to share information with the public will continue. Next Steps in the Process A number of steps need to be completed before the claim can be settled. The negotiators for Canada and the First Nation still need to draft the legal text of a Settlement Agreement. The First Nation must also complete its work on a proposed Trust Agreement. This Agreement will set out how the First Nation will use, manage and administer its settlement funds. When this work is complete, the First Nation will launch an information campaign to explain the proposed settlement to its members. This will include community meetings and mail outs of information materials. No settlement is possible without the vote and approval of the First Nation membership of both the proposed Settlement Agreement and the Trust Agreement. If a favourable vote is reached, the next step is for the Chief and Council and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to sign the Settlement Agreement. The agreement would not be final until it is signed by both parties. Frequently Asked Questions - Caldwell First Nation Specific Claim Context What is this claim all about? The Caldwell First Nation's claim dates back to events that took place over 200 years ago. The claim relates to reserve land and other benefits promised in a 1790 Treaty as well as to land that was promised during the War of 1812. The basis of the claim is that the First Nation did not receive the land and other benefits that it should have received over 200 years ago. What is being done to deal with this claim? The Government of Canada and the Caldwell First Nation are working together to find a common solution. The goal of this process is to reach a settlement that will resolve this longstanding claim in a way that is fair to everyone. What area is covered by the 1790 treaty? The treaty covered an area generally from London to Windsor and south of the Thames River in southwestern Ontario. The current ownership of these lands is not at issue in this process. What is at issue is providing the First Nation with fair compensation to right a past wrong. What are treaties? Treaties are solemn agreements that set out promises, obligations and benefits for both parties. Beginning almost 300 years ago, treaties were signed between the British government and many First Nations living in what was to become Canada. Through many of these agreements, First Nations surrendered their interest in the land in exchange for one-time or ongoing benefits, ongoing rights and reserve lands. This allowed for the peaceful settlement and development of much of Canada. These treaties between Canada and First Nations are basic building blocks in the creation of our country. The continuing treaty relationship ensures that First Nation and non-First Nation people can together enjoy Canada's benefits. Why is Canada dealing now with something that happened over 200 years ago? The Government of Canada is accountable for legally-binding treaties signed with First Nations. Canada has a duty to honour past commitments made with First Nations. While centuries may have passed since a treaty was signed, this does not diminish Canada's obligation to keep its promises. Canada has a longstanding policy and process in place to resolve these claims by negotiating settlements with First Nations. By settling this claim, Canada will deliver on a past commitment made to the Caldwell First Nation and repay a debt that has been outstanding for far too long. Negotiations are the best way to bring closure to this longstanding claim once and for all. The Negotiations When did the negotiations begin? Negotiations to resolve this claim began in 1996. Canada and the First Nation reached an Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) in 1998. However, the parties were unable to move forward on this AIP, due to a failed ratification vote that took place in 2003. The results of this vote were later set aside due to technical irregularities found in the voting process. Renewed negotiations to conclude a settlement of the claim began in the fall of 2006. What has been achieved through these renewed talks? The parties have made good progress in their negotiations. Negotiators for Canada and the Caldwell First Nation have concluded their talks on the key elements of a revised Settlement Agreement. Canada has tabled a settlement offer and the First Nation has agreed to take this offer to its members for a vote. This is a major step forward in the process, but more work needs to be done before the settlement can be concluded. What are the next steps? The next step in the resolution process is for the negotiators to draft the legal text of a Settlement Agreement. The First Nation must also complete its work on a proposed Trust Agreement. This Agreement will set out how the First Nation will use, manage and administer its settlement funds. When this work is complete, the First Nation will launch an information campaign to explain the proposed settlement to its members. This will include community meetings and mail outs of information materials. No settlement is possible without the vote and approval of the First Nation membership of both the proposed Settlement Agreement and the Trust Agreement. If a favourable vote is reached, the next step is for the Chief and Council and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to sign the Settlement Agreement. The agreement would not be final until it is signed by both parties. Why did the proposed settlement need to be changed? The proposed settlement was changed to reflect compensation practices and as a result of additional negotiations. The negotiators needed to determine how the compensation should be revised. Research was done to help them assess how much compensation would be fair to resolve the claim. This included work to update the appraisals to value the claim lands and new research that looked at the income the First Nation lost by not having the use of the claim lands over time. This “loss of use” compensation was not part of the original 1998 AIP, but now needs to be included because the courts have directed that this type of compensation should be paid for this kind of claim. Ultimately, the proposed settlement is the result of negotiations between the parties. Key Elements of the Proposed Settlement What are the key elements of the proposed settlement? The proposed settlement has two parts. It includes both financial compensation and a land component. This is in keeping with the approach that is used to settle other land-related specific claims across the country. Under the proposed settlement, Canada will provide the Caldwell First Nation with approximately $105 million in compensation for past damages. The First Nation can use some of its settlement funds to buy land on the open market. Under the proposed settlement, the First Nation can buy up to 6,540 acres of land and ask Canada to give those lands reserve status. If it pursues this option, the First Nation will have up to 30 years to buy land and start the reserve creation process. How does the settlement bring closure to the claim? In return for compensation, the First Nation will provide Canada with a release of the claim to ensure the claim can never be re-opened. Settlements must bring closure and certainty for all concerned. Who does Canada pay the money to when the claim is settled? How will this money be managed? When the claim is settled, Canada will pay the compensation to the First Nation. The First Nation is developing a proposed Trust Agreement that sets out how these settlement funds will be used and managed for the future benefit of its members. The Trust Agreement will also be submitted for approval by First Nation members when they vote on the proposed Settlement Agreement. The Land Component I own land within the 1790 Treaty area. Am I going to lose my land or be forced to sell my land as a result of this settlement? No. Regardless of where your land is located, you will not lose your land or be asked to sell your land as a result of this settlement. This cannot and will not happen. Private property will not be taken away from anyone to settle this claim. Nor will anyone be asked to sell their land unwillingly. If land changes hands after a settlement, this can only happen on a willing-buyer/willing-seller basis. Just like any other party, a First Nation has the right to buy land from a willing-seller. Will First Nation members have to move to a new location when the claim is settled? No. First Nation members will not be asked to relocate as a result of this process; where someone lives, as always, remains a personal and individual decision. Why does the settlement include a land component? The compensation in claims settlements is based on legal principles. In this case, the purpose is to put the First Nation in the same position it would have been in if it had received a reserve over 200 years ago. This is known as the principle of restitution, which has been approved by the courts as the right approach to compensation for this kind of claim. In keeping with this principle, Canada's obligation is to provide the First Nation with the opportunity to obtain the reserve land it should have received over 200 years ago. The proposed settlement will provide the First Nation with the means to buy lands on the open market. This is in keeping with the approach that Canada has used to settle similar claims across the country over the past 30 years. Is Point Pelee National Park included in the settlement? No. Canada and the First Nation have agreed that Point Pelee National Park will remain a park for the use and enjoyment of everyone. Reserve Creation What is a reserve? A reserve is land that has been set apart and designated as a reserve for the use and occupancy of an Indian group or band. Some bands now prefer the term “First Nation community” and no longer use the term “reserve.” The federal Crown holds the title to reserve lands. Will a reserve be automatically created for the First Nation when the claim is settled? No. A reserve will not suddenly be created for the Caldwell First Nation when the claim is settled. The First Nation will have the option to use its settlement funds to buy land on the open market and start the process of building a land base for its people. The First Nation will have up to 30 years to buy land and start the reserve creation process. Will a reserve be created automatically when land is purchased by the First Nation? No. When land is purchased by a First Nation, it does not automatically become reserve land. The land must first meet the criteria from Canada's Additions-to-Reserves Policy and the terms of the settlement. This means that a number of steps must first be completed before any lands can be given reserve status. What steps need to be completed before land gets designated as reserve? These steps include, for example: * an environmental site assessment must be done to identify any existing contamination and ensure future residents won't be exposed to any related health risks * interests held by third parties such as leases, permits and rights of way would also need to be addressed * any necessary public access to the land and public utilities must be provided for. * the First Nation must consult with municipal and provincial governments to resolve issues of common concern. How are the concerns of municipalities addressed in these consultations? The First Nation will consult and negotiate arrangements with any affected municipalities on issues stemming from reserve creation. This consultation must take place before any land can be designated as reserve land. This could include, for example, where it is requested by a municipality: * agreements with respect to the provision of municipal services to the lands (which can involve a fee for services such as water, garbage collection, police and fire protection) * arrangements for reasonable compensation for property tax loss * education tax loss and service agreements with affected school divisions * the development of mutually compatible land use planning * the harmonization of by-laws * a process for settling any future disputes. The process of working together helps to build new relationships that all parties can benefit from in the future. Information Sharing & Benefits What's been done to inform the public about this process? The parties made efforts to update interested parties as key milestones were reached during this joint process. This has included press releases, publications, information meetings and open houses. These efforts to share information with the public will continue. Who benefits? Claims settlements are not only about coming to terms with the past, but also about building a better future. This benefits everyone - First Nation and non-First Nation people alike. The settlement will enable the First Nation to invest directly in the local economy through the purchase of land and new opportunities for economic development that will bring long-term benefits to First Nation members. These investments, in turn, can generate spin-off economic benefits for neighbouring communities and the potential for new business partnerships. Quick Facts: * The Government of Canada has been negotiating claims similar to the Caldwell First Nation's claim under its Specific Claims Policy since the mid-1970s. * Specific claims deal with the past grievances of First Nations. These grievances relate to Canada's obligations under historic treaties or the way it managed First Nation funds or assets. * As of December 31, 2009, over 760 specific claims have been concluded across the country, including 327 claims resolved through negotiated settlements. Canada's contribution to these settlements has ranged in value from $15,000 to $125 million, with an average settlement value of $6.6 million. * Canada is committed to honouring its outstanding lawful obligations to First Nations and to resolving outstanding claims for the benefit of all Canadians. UPDATED! August 18, 2006 - Chief Larry Johnson told Turtle Island Native Network he feels vindicated. The Caldwell First Nation has won its long and hard-fought battle to have another community ratification vote on its $23.4 Million specific land claim settlement agreement. It has taken Indian Affairs three years to get back to Chief Johnson on the review of the August 9th, 2003 ratification vote that saw the agreement rejected by only six votes. The Chief and Council of the 250 member southwestern Ontario first nation appealed because of significant voting irregularities, and now Indian Affairs has agreed that a new vote can take place. In a letter from Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice informed Chief Johnson that the results of the 2003 ratification vote have been nullified. It has been a long and winding road to get to this point. In 1998 the government of Canada made an offer to settle the land claim. Once the news reached Chatham/Kent area, the proverbial shit hit the fan. Fear mongering, racism and extreme redneck politics reared their ugly heads because of the Caldwells plans to establish a reserve-based community. The not-in-my-backyard mentality grew amongst the conservative right wingers. Even the Liberal Member of Parliament for the area, opposed the Caldwells. Hatred against the First Nation manifested itself in racial slurs, public pronouncements by local citizens and their municipal leaders. But a deal is a deal, and eventually the First Nation had a vote on the agreement five years later. While the outside world continued to cast aspirtions on the Caldwells without even trying to get the facts, internal community problems snowballed. Some members wanted to get their hands on some of the cash. Others targeted the chief, labelling him a bad guy and councilors as money grabbers. When the vote was held the agreement was rejected. But Chief Larry Johnson, who had fought for thirty years to bring justice to his people, was not about to accept the voice of a handful of selfish, negative nellies. Chief and Council investigated and found serious voting irregularities and filed an appeal with Indian Affairs. Various legal actions surfaced - back and forth between Chief and Council and their opponents who carried on with their efforts to scuttle the deal - but those legal efforts were futile. Some band members even sided with local non-natives who had made it clear they opposed the Caldwells on the base principle they did not want an Indian reserve near them. Now Chief Johnson looks forward to another ratification vote and is hopeful the land claim agreement will receive community approval. After that, he will move ahead with reserve creation and further steps toward self determination for the Caldwells. March 22, 2005 -There is one case here in Canada called Randal vs Caldwell First Nation and has been since 1999. To make a long story short, it started over a land claim which was offered to the Caldwells. Canada offered $23.4 million to buy land and create a reserve/community. A few Caldwells got together and said they wanted money, not land, so they sued for a total of $90 million. They made far out allegations against the Chief. There were a total of 5 lawsuits altogether. On one hand they wanted an election, when one came about they didnt want it. Some people on the lawsuit were from another First Nation altogether, but claimed they were from Caldwell. This part of the lawsuit, they lost. Parts of the lawsuit said the Chief and Council, mainly the Chief, misappropriated the money. This was not proven. Some of the papers said the Chief had a pond out back, and a freezer to put people in when they disagreed with them, threw blankets over people and beat them up, but yet named no one that this had happened to. They also claimed that the Chief added and took people of the Band Lists at his will. In Canada, this cannot be done. One group settled out of court. They had signed papers stating that no evidence of fraud was found. As far as I know, the remaining lawsuit is in its final stages. The remaining litigants opted not to go to court because they had nothing to take to trial which was suppose to take place in February of this year. / Theresa Johnson is a member of the Caldwell First Nation and has been very helpful in keeping Turtle Island Native Network updated over the years about her community's challenges. theresa@caldwellfn.com PREVIOUSLY REPORTED. . . August 2003 - Land claim settlement agreement rejected by Caldwells by six votes. CHief and Council appeal voting irregularities. May 2, 2002 - Another legal challenge has been overcome in the struggle by the Caldwell First Nation and the Government of Canada to move forward with their $23 million specific land claim settlement. Indian Affairs has won a court case against Chatham/Kent municipality. The Federal Court of Appeal heard the appeal of the municipality that tried to overturn two lower court decisions which upheld Canada's solicitor and client privilege in respect of the Caldwell Specific Claim legal opinions used to negotiate a settlement agreement. The Court dismissed the municipality's appeal. In reasons delivered from the bench, the Court's decision explains that Justice Lemieux did not err in finding as he did i.e. that no privilege had been waived. The court also ordered the municipality pay Canada $2500.00 in costs, payable forthwith. Chatham Kent officials are among locals in the non-aboriginal communities trying to scuttle the land claim agreement because the Caldwells want to build a reserve-based community in southwestern Ontario. The first nation people have faced not only legal and political challenges but also blatant racism and violence since the settlement was announced two years ago. October 24, 2001 - Caldwell First Nation and the Department of Indian Affairs are the target of more Chatham-Kent gov't legal action to stop the historic land claim settlement. The local government is again going to the Federal Court of Canada - this time to fight a recent decision that favoured the Caldwell First Nation and Indian Affairs and information related to the negotiations that led to the $23 million specific land claim settlement agreement. The government is trying to protect its legal opinions from being released to the locals. The Chatham-Kent officials have led the charge against the settlement since learning the First Nation intended to use the funds to create an Indian reserve community in southwestern Ontario. That led to racist remarks and actions against First Nation members as the non-Aboriginals adopted the Not In My Backyard philosophy. September 2001 Caldwell First Nation Scores a Legal Win against Local Government Efforts to Destroy its Land Claim Agreement. The Federal Court of Canada ruled against the municipality of Chatham-Kent's efforts to get Indian Affairs to produce all its' legal opinions about the controversial Caldwell First Nation specific land claim. The claim relates to Pointe Pelee and Pelee Island where Caldwell First Nation said its ancestors were the original inhabitants, occupants and owners, and never surrendered their land. The municipality has been fighting Indian Affairs and the First Nation over a settlement agreement that provides the Indian Band with $23 million to establish a reserve community in southwestern Ontario. The non-Native residents and local governments have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars fighting the deal. They've tried to prove the government wrongly negotiated and settled with the First Nation and have been trying to get their hands on the government's legal opinions that led to Canada accepting the claim for negotiation. But now the Federal Court Trial Division dismissed Chatham-Kent's appeal of an earlier judicial ruling against them. It's one victory for Caldwell First Nation members who have been subjected to racist remarks and vandalism and in several cases shots were fired from paint guns. Larry Johnson was re-elected Chief of Caldwell First Nation. Councilor Frank Solomon also was re-elected June 9, 2001. .New council members are Melody Watson and Lonnie Dodge. Chief Johnson said priorities include scheduling another vote on their historic land claim settlement and building a community for his people in Southwestern Ontario. Chief Larry Johnson Re-Elected Despite Legal Challenges By Dan Smoke - Asayenes In the midst of several lawsuits, the Caldwell First Nation have chosen the incumbent Chief as their leader. Chief Larry Johnson narrowly defeated Louise Hillier in a close election race that culminated on Saturday, June 9th, 2001. The close election win was by the narrow margin of one vote: 75 votes for Chief Johnson and 74 votes for Louise Hillier. The election was monitored by Al Day, electoral officer with the Southern First Nations Secretariat. Dissident Caldwell band members have filed an application contesting the vote and Mr. Day's handling of the matter. The results will not be known until a number of months have passed. Three Councillors were elected. Two councillors' platform was to seek a financial compensation offer from the federal government instead of the land settlement offer that the previous Chief and Council had negotiated. This creates a stalemate on any Band Council attempts to pass a Band Council Resolution. To comply with the 1790 Treaty Ratification process, a BCR is required to officially request from Ottawa that a referendum vote be conducted. The business of the band is in trouble unless the new council can work things out. Chief Johnson has appealed to the membership for letters of support for the ratification vote. The Chatham Kent municipality and Jack Rigby of the CKCN have made two motions for disclosure of the Department of Justice legal opinions with respect to the Caldwell claim. These were denied in the Federal Court of Canada on June 20th. Maneovering by Chatham Kent Municipality and Jack Rigby Chatham Kent Community Network can now only proceed on appeal. -These two racist factions have been carrying on a hate campaign for over 31 months against our land settlement. I must say that a beating in court looks good on them, and I am hoping this is the beginning of the end for right-wing politics in Chatham Kent,- Chief Johnson declared. In Dec. 1998, the Caldwell First Nation signed an agreement-in-principle with Ottawa to settle its 211 year old land and treaty rights issue. -NOT FOR SALE- signs directed at the Caldwell Nation can be seen all over the district where the Caldwells plan to purchase land under the proposed agreement. The settlement offer of $23.4 million gives the Caldwells 25 years to buy up to 1,800 hectares of land as it comes up for sale. The CKCN represents concerned citizens of the surrounding municipality who oppose the creation of a First Nations reserve in their territory and have initiated legal proceedings against the Caldwell Nation. Jack Rigby, representative of the CKCN is represented by London lawyer, David Nash. The Municipality of Chatham Kent is represented by Alan Pope of Timmins, Ont. - 30 - All My Relations Dan Smoke-Asayenes & Mary Lou Smoke-Asayenes Kwe Smoke Signals First Nations Radio, CHRW, 94.7 FM Canada's #1 Campus Radio Station for 2001 Sundays 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., www.chrwradio.com 519 659-4682 fax: 5l9 453-3676 April 27th Gathering of Voices conference follows Walk Against Racism - Gathering The Voices Conference got underway after a thank-you to those that joined the WAR and Welcome to the people arriving for the Conference by Chief Larry Johnson. Two teepees and many tents were put up in our yard for the Conference. Janice Longboat spoke of her experiences with racism, and of how are lives should be. She is a great speaker and I like to listen to her every chance I get. Day 2 of the Conference- Saturday started with a sunrise ceremony. Introductions of all the people attending were started and went for 4 hours. Each person attending introduced themselves and told their story. It was very heartbreaking to hear that racism is alive and well in Canada. Native people and non-Native people attended the conference from as far away as the Yukon, British Columbia and Nova Scotia as well as all over Ontario. Women from the Oneida Nation Longhouse took care of cooking the meals for the weekend. Our new friend, Alexandra from Siberia also did a session with the group explaining the best she could of her customs. She is a traditional healer as well and did a lot of work with people during her stay with us this week. We all enjoyed her company, her songs and listening to her traditions as they were somewhat similar to ours. She also asked us questions about our traditions. There were so many people involved in the organizing of this conference, and they all did an excellent job. The Native Youth Helping Native Youth group was great, the food was delicious, meeting new friends, finding new relatives. Sunday was a wrap up to discuss each of our commitments to keep the information going from what we learned from each other yesterday. All the singers and drummers were great. At the end of the day, Darlene Ritchie presented Chief Johnson with a tepee for letting the Gathering The Voices Conference to take place on Caldwell Territory. Walk Against Racism April 27th Chief Larry Johnson, Caldwell First Nation and supporters finished another successful 100 walk against racism. It began April 23 - We started out the day with a sunrise ceremony, which I thought was great! It is so nice to see our traditions practiced here. The Walk Against Racism started out at Charing Cross after a press conference at 10:00 am. There were about 25-30 people walking, but by the time we reached Blenheim, we had 60, plus a caravan of vehicles carrying our Elders. People came from all over Canada to join us in this walk. Two women drum groups joined us and drummed throughout the walk. A short stop for a song in front of W. G. Thompsons. We had a police escort through the town of Blenheim, where all the women that drum stopped to sing and drum in front of the Chatham Kent Community Network. There were a couple nasty remarks made in town by people after the walkers went by and the people were going in another direction. A lot of people put the thumbs up and commented about the racism in Blenheim. Some of them said they had no problem with the Caldwells moving to the area. There was a definate change in people from the 1st annual March Against Racism. My hope is to one day live in peace and harmony here. I did not get to see the news reports on tv or the radio, but people that did, said they were all very good. Most of the NOT FOR SALE signs are down in the area. The ones where there are some, will probably never take them down or change their mind about Native people. When the walkers arrived at the Caldwell office, we visited our new and old friends and relatives. They joined us for supper followed by a Jubliee workshop by Shirley Johnson. Although I did not sit in the workshop, others commented on how good it was. Shirley is a very good speaker. A social followed with women singers and drummers, and the singers from the Longhouse of Oneida. The evening was great! Everyone danced. I found out my 23 month old grandson loves to dance and did his best to follow everyone's steps beside me. Theresa April 26th We had about almost 50 different walkers today at various times. One of the new walkers that joined us was from Sweden. We had a short protest at city hall in Chatham, then started down Queen St. All week we did not have any negative... until we got near Chatham. A navy blue PT cruiser driver decided he didn't like us. Everyone is in good spirits and we had fun today. A reporter known to write negative articles came by at city hall and tried to ask questions. Everyone was immediately told not to talk to him because he was a bad reporter. He turned beet red. A lot of supporters came by our house tonight and we had a good visit here with them. They will be walking with us tomorrow. The support has been incredible. People have come a long way to join us. The walkers were invited to have supper at the Elder's Conference at the Delaware First Nation where Chief Johnson told of our experiences for the past 2 1/2 years and the Walk Against Racism. Theresa April 25th The most walkers that we had a one time today was 27. Yesterday we finished 20 kms at 3:15, today they finished at 2:45. Charles Fox, Regional Chief and his assistant Andrew Rueben, both walked for a bit. Councillor Frank Solomon came out as well to walk. Way to go Walkers! Theresa Tuesday April 24th walkers were joined by A.I.A.I. Chief Larry Sault and his wife Sonya.Tomorrow, we will be joined by Regional Chief Charles Fox and Andrew Rueben of Chiefs of Ontario. From Theresa Johnson on the road....We had 20 walkers at all times today. One group would come for awhile and when they would leave another group would come in. The walkers never got down to less than 20 at one time. It was a cool day and rained for a short while, but they kept on going. People were coming out to the road to ask questions and give their support, one lady even gave us medicine -cedar. Another lady came along a couple of times to give the walkers drinks and cookies. At supper time, Alexandra, the lady from Siberia, worked on the walkers, helping with their stiffness and making energy medicine. Excellent day! Theresa Caldwell First Nation - Blenheim, Ontario - 519-676-5499 Media Release April 23, 2001 WALK AGAINST RACISM STARTS STRONG 50 First Nations People & Canadians begin 100 kilometer Walk Against Racism from London to Blenheim, Ontario. At 10 a.m. Monday, 65 people gathered at N'Amerind Friendship Centre in London, Ontario to kick-off the Caldwell First Nation's 2nd Annual Spring Walk Against Racism W.A.R.. Following an Opening Thanksgiving Prayer by Lo:t^t Honyust- Oneida, various speakers greeted the walkers. Caldwell First Nation Chief Larry Johnson, who will be walking the distance, spoke from his heart about the frightening racist attacks his family and community members have experienced over the past 2 years. In December, 1998, when news spread through Chatham-Kent region that Caldwell First Nation had reached an Agreement-In-Principle with Ottawa to settle its 211 year old land and treaty rights issue, many Blenheim and other residents in the region immediately organized to oppose the settlement. NOT FOR SALE signs, directed at the Caldwell Band, can be seen all over the district in which the Caldwell plan to purchase land under the proposed agreement. Other speakers included Ray Martin, Executive Director, Southern First Nations Secretariat, who acknowledged the 28-year campaign of Chief Johnson, and condemned racism of any sort. Shirley Johnson, a Caldwell Spokesperson for the W.A.R. Planning Committee, mentioned a map from 1847 she saw in an historic building in Toronto that labeled the entire area from today's Rondeau Park to Point Pelee as The Caldwells. Traditonal Teachers Allan Jacobs, Delaware, Dan Smoke -Seneca and Mary Lou Smoke-Ojibway gave the walkers words, prayers and songs of encouragement. A letter from the W.A.R. committee was faxed to Chatham-Kent MP Jerry Pickard. The circulated letter says, Your acceptance of our request to meet would be a first step towards correcting the anti-Native backlash that has been swirling in this region since you and other community leaders first called public attention to Caldwell Agreement.- At 11 am, more than fifty people of all races and ages - including many members of the London group, Native Youth Helping Native Youth - began the 100 kilometer hike to the Caldwell Band Office. Different people will be walking each day. On Tuesday, April 24th, Grand Chief Larry Sault Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians will join the W.A.R. at Delaware Hill, just west of where the 402 and old Highway 2 meet. Wednesday, Charles Fox, Ontario Regional Vice-Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, will take part. Thursday evening, Chief Johnson will address a community meeting at Moriaviantown Delaware reserve. On Friday, renowned Canadian human rights lawyer Mary Eberts and other participants from Gathering The Voices - an women's conference preparing for the UN World Conference Against Racism - will join the walkers for the last leg. After a 10 am press conference on Friday, the W.A.R. will hike and caravan, with a traditional drum, from Charing Cross to the Band Office, 3 km east of Blenheim in the heart of the anti-Native opposition. A Letter from Chief Larry Johnson, Caldwell First Nations To the Chatham/Kent Council. January l3, 1999 Dear Sirs: We have been neighbours for more than two centuries. When the first European settlers arrived in this part of the world, our ancestors were already here. We have treaty relations with the Crown going back to the 1760's – treaties that provide for a clear and respectful political relationship based on peace and mutual respect and assistance. Pursuant to those treaties, our men fought in every war the Crown asked us to – from the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 to the two World Wars, and the Korean War. Until recently, we have never had any agreement with the Crown about land. When, in 1790, aboriginal title to this territory was transferred to the Crown, our Chiefs, Quenesis and Medwayosh, were not there. The aboriginal people who participated in that transaction ended up with -reserves-. We did not. Nevertheless, we continued to live at our traditional home at Point Pelee, and to use the surrounding territory in our traditional ways, for generations afterward. The Crown's Indian Department knew us as the Chippewas of Point Pelee. When settlement began to interfere with our use and occupation of the land, our Chiefs began to make formal claims to the Crown for land and for protection. It has taken more than a century for the Crown to address those claims fairly. Our efforts during these dark years were supported by the Kent and Essex County Councils, who believed that we were entitled to a fair settlement and to reserve lands of our own. In October 1998 we made an agreement in principle with the Government of Canada concerning land. Canada will provide cash - over time, we will acquire land that will become the Caldwell Indian Reserve. There will be a Caldwell Indian Reserve. Please do not underestimate our determination. Our forebears persevered for over a century to get justice, and we are equally determined to make a fair future for our children and grandchildren. Over the past month, a number of issues have been raised which could affect our future relations. We believe that, with the proper facts and a clear understanding of our intention, we can deal with these issues. We hope that this letter will clarify our views and will provide the basis for an understanding between our two governments. Our Council is a government, one that is recognized in Canadian federal legislation as well as in the Canadian constitution. We have the authority to make laws for our people and our land. We intend to do so – and we intend to do so in a way that also respects the rights of our neighbours. Three basic principles should govern any relations we have - The first is neighbourliness, with all that implies - good will, respect, and tolerance. The second is reciprocity. We expect you to provide the same kind of commitments to us that we make to you. The third is fairness. We propose to apply these principles to each issue. We hope these ideas will help us work toward specific agreements, which will guide our relations for the future. Environmental Protection - Federal environmental protection laws regulate many aspects of the use of Indian reserve land. We are strongly committed to environmental protection, and are prepared to agree to meet specific standards -though we would expect you to agree to maintain the same standards. Expropriation - There won't be any. We will buy our land from willing sellers in the existing real estate market. We will take our time. Access - If any person's property is surrounded by reserve land, we will guarantee that this will not interfere with that person's right of access to the property, either personally or for the delivery of utilities. We expect the same commitment of access in respect of reserve land surrounded by private or municipal land. Drainage - We recognize that drainage is an important issue in low-lying agricultural country. We are prepared to enter into an agreement with the municipal government to provide for the identification and management of existing drainage works and the construction or alteration of future drainage works. Basically, we should agree that existing drainage will be maintained - and that where drainage works on our reserve, the responsibility for maintaining them is ours, financially as well as legislatively. Any proposed changes in drainage should be matters in which we would give each other notice, more or less as provided in the present provincial Drainage Act. We would like to see an effective, informal dispute resolution process, accessible to individuals as well as governments, as well as a clear environmental review of any proposed changes. Taxation - The Caldwell Reserve provided for in our agreement in principle with Canada is likely to reach a size of about 4,500 acres, acquired over a 25-year span. That's about 1/4 of one percent of the total acreage of the municipality of Chatham-Kent. The tax impact of this land becoming reserve land will be minimal, as a factor in the municipality's total budget. The impact would be even smaller considering that we are prepared to pay fairly for any municipal services we contract for. We may want to use municipal fire protection and garbage collection services, for example, and we would expect to pay for them at the same rates as people occupying land use for the same purposes as ours. Services we don't expect to use - like political representation from your municipal council - we believe we shouldn't have to pay for. We want to have a clear and pragmatic understanding of this issue, and a fair agreement on the services we may use and the payment we would make for them. Land Use - It is true that our Council would have the authority to make laws about the use of land on the Caldwell Indian Reserve, as your Council has the same authority in the municipality. We don't apologize for having that authority and that right. We are committed, though, to using that right in a considerate way, so as not to injure our neighbours or their land. We expect this commitment to be reciprocal. Cordially, Larry Johnson, Chief, Caldwell First Nation This is Turtle Island Native Network - Your Best Online Source for Aboriginal News and Information. More than ONE MILLION HITS A MONTH. All contents are copyright. The material on this web site is for Read Only Purposes. No material from this site may be reproduced, modified, republished, transmitted or distributed in any way without prior approval. All Rights Reserved by Tehaliwaskenhas-Bob Kennedy - Aboriginal owned and operated - Contact tehaliwaskenhas@aol.com

Previously reported . . . 2001 . . .

Larry Johnson Re-elected Chief

Native Youth - Respect for All Peoples Rally

Support for Caldwell First Nation march against racism

Racist Backlash
Report from Dan Smoke

Previous March Against Racism

Previous Reports

Exposed to racism in Caldwell First Nation rights fight
9 yr old girl gets grant from anti-racism foundation

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