Chief Taking Cautious Stance On Land Claim Reforms
Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 13:03
A northern chief is cautiously optimistic about the future of her band’s land claim in light of the land claims reforms proposed by the federal government this week.
The Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s quest to obtain a very large tract of land in northeastern Saskatchewan hit a roadblock a few years ago.
A lower court delivered a favourable ruling for the band, but an appeals court overturned it.
The Supreme Court subsequently refused to hear the case.
But Tammy Cook-Searson says the fight continues, and a new land claims tribunal has the potential to turn the situation around.
But she also doesn’t want to get too excited about something that still has to be established.
Cook-Searson notes the band went through the courts because the federal government didn’t want to negotiate.
An independent and binding land claims tribunal will be in place early next year — if proposed legislation passes in the Commons this fall.
Chief Taking Cautious Stance On Land Claim Reforms
Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 13:03
A northern chief is cautiously optimistic about the future of her band’s land claim in light of the land claims reforms proposed by the federal government this week.
The Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s quest to obtain a very large tract of land in northeastern Saskatchewan hit a roadblock a few years ago.
A lower court delivered a favourable ruling for the band, but an appeals court overturned it.
The Supreme Court subsequently refused to hear the case.
But Tammy Cook-Searson says the fight continues, and a new land claims tribunal has the potential to turn the situation around.
But she also doesn’t want to get too excited about something that still has to be established.
Cook-Searson notes the band went through the courts because the federal government didn’t want to negotiate.
An independent and binding land claims tribunal will be in place early next year — if proposed legislation passes in the Commons this fall.