CORNWALL, Ontario – A land claim deal worth $240 million is being finalized between the federal government and Akwesasne.
The mammoth deal, which is in the final stages of negotiations between the two parties, focuses on the Tsikaristisere/Dundee area.
The federal government, said the First Nation in a statement released Monday, presented Akwesasne with a settlement offer just shy of $240 million. The offer includes legal and other associated costs.
“Resolution of the Tsikaristisere/Dundee Specific claim will bring economic benefits to the region and create new economic development opportunities for its members as well as their neighbours,” said the office of Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, in a statement. “A successful settlement would provide the First Nation with the capital to invest in land purchases on a willing seller – willing buyer basis.”
A final settlement would require Akwesasne to release all claims in the Dundee area.
Akwesasne is scheduled to hold community meetings on the matter.
