FSIN Chief Named To Specific Claims Task Force

FSIN Chief Named To Specific Claims Task Force

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 13:38

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Lawrence Joseph has been named to a task force that will work on proposed specific claims legislation this summer.

The Tory government and Assembly of First Nations announced the formation of the task force this morning.

Alberta AFN regional chief Willie Littlechild has also been appointed to the eight-member panel. It features four First Nations leaders, and four government representatives.

Earlier this year, the Conservatives unveiled plans to reform the way First Nations land claims are handled.

The Tories hope to establish an independent tribunal that will have binding powers.

The legislation is expected to be introduced in the fall — and if all goes to plan, the tribunal will begin addressing a huge backlog of claims early next year.