Thames land claim will form basis for ‘better future’

CHIPPEWAS of the THAMES – Community members of this southwest Ontario First Nation are hopeful that resolution of a 195-year-old land claim will be a major step towards economic self-sufficiency.
On March 23, citizens voted 92 per cent in favour of accepting Canada’s  $120 million proposal to settle the Big Bear Creek Specific Land Claim. Of the 2005 eligible voters, a total of 1301 valid ballots were cast, with 1200 in favour of the settlement agreement and 101 opposed.
“The results show that an overwhelming majority of our people support moving toward a better future for our community, one that focuses on self-sufficiency, while ensuring children and seniors get the support they need,” says Chief Joe Miskokomon. The deal includes a $10 million  education savings plan for band members pursuing post-secondary education; a $60 million seniors income stabilization plan providing seniors a guaranteed $600 indexed monthly income for the next 100 years;  a $30 million trust account, which is to be continually replenished by Nation investments and Businesses; and a $19 million disbursement to current community members. The First Nation has a total registered population of 2500 members,  930 of them living in the community.
“Through the development of our Community Plan we will be moving to successful ventures and community growth,” said the Chief. “We will fulfill our destiny  through economic prosperity and not rely on the Department of Indian Affairs.”
The First Nation currently has a land base of 33 square kilometres on the north shore of the Thames River, about 20 km. southwest of the city of London. Under the terms of the settlement, the First Nation will be able to purchase up to 21 square km. Of additional land on a “willing-seller, willing-buyer” basis.
Chief Miskokomon confirmed he has held discussions with London officials to discuss the feasibility of  purchasing serviced land that could be used to develop revenue-generating businesses for the band and  could lead to the establishment of the first urban reserve in Ontario.
London Mayor Joe Fontana has been enthusiastic about such a partnership.
“His bold vision and ours could lead to not only economic benefits for his nation, but for London and southwestern Ontario.
The Big Bear Creek settlement  sets some major precedents which will benefit other First Nations in the federal Specific Claims Process.
“We managed to remove time-limits on how long we have to purchase new reserve lands, and we can also choose those new reserve lands anywhere within our traditional territory,” says Miskokomon. Until the Big Bear Creek settlement, normal time limits have ranged from 15 to a maximum of 30 years.
“We told Canada ‘You’ve had our property for 195 years – we want unlimited time,’” the Chief says, noting that the First Nation can purchase up to four land parcels within the traditional Chippewa treaty area.
The federal government was also convinced to remove its contiguous clause, which required new reserves lands to be added next to an existing reserve.
On March 9, 1819, Chippewas of the Thames entered into the Longwoods Treaty with the British Crown. A series of errors committed by the Crown and Indian Affairs resulted in the unlawful sale of Chippewa reserved lands known as Big Bear Creek.
Contrary to the Royal Proclamation of 1763, the reserved land was sold without the consent of the First Nation.
The claim stems from the accidental sale of Chippewa reserve lands near Florence, Ontario by the Government of Upper Canada in the 1830‘s. The reserve near Big Bear Creek was to be surveyed and set aside for Chippewa’s exclusive use, according to terms negotiated by Chippewa Chiefs in the Longwoods Treaty talks between 1818 and 1822.

Big Bear Creek Specific Land Claim
• During the Longwoods Treaty negotiations between 1818 and 1822, Chippewa Chiefs made two reserves for their people, one at Big Bear Creek near Florence, Ontario, the other along the Thames.
• The Big Bear Creek reserve was sold by the Government of Upper Canada by mistake in the 1830s. It was never surrendered by the Chippewa.
• The last resident of Big Bear Creek was forcibly relocated to the Chippewas of the Thames Reserve approximately 100 years ago. All those relocated were promised land, housing and farm implements to help them make a living. Those promises were never fulfilled.
• Chippewa leadership has continually petitioned the Crown for the promised reserve since the 1820’s.
• Many descendants of Big Bear Creek grew up never knowing about the long lost Big Bear Creek reserve, or their family’s ties to it.
• Canada accepted the Big Bear Creek claim for negotiations in August of 2008, under its Specific Claims process.