Robinson Huron First Nations hosts ceremony honouring 173rd Anniversary of 1850 Treaty signing

ROBINSON HURON TREATY TERRITORY (September 9, 2023) — Today, the Robinson Huron First Nations held a ceremony and media event on the final day of 2023 Robinson Huron Treaty Gathering at the GFL Memorial Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., to commemorate the signing of the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. This event, which also celebrated progress towards the proposed settlement in the Robinson Huron annuities case, marked the close of the Treaty Gathering. This event is a major milestone in the process of renewing our nation-to-nation relationship that is rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and partnership.

Hundreds of community members joined Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund leadership and Ministers from the Governments of Canada and Ontario in the celebration. A full schedule of the events of the day is available here.

In 2012, the 21 Robinson Huron First Nations initiated litigation against the Crown in right of Canada and Ontario for violating the promise in the Treaty to augment the annuity if resource wealth generated in the Treaty territory enabled the government to do so without incurring a loss. After Anishinaabe wins in the Ontario Superior Court and the Ontario Court of Appeal, Canada and Ontario and have been working with the Robinson Huron First Nations at the negotiation table to find common ground for resolving the annuities case outside of the courts.

In June, representatives for the parties announced the proposed settlement to resolve claims related to past annuities, which includes a total settlement of $10 billion for past compensation. The proposed settlement will not be final until it is approved by all parties and the claim for past compensation has been discontinued on consent of the parties and by order of the Ontario Superior Court. The Robinson Huron Chiefs and Trustees have approved the agreement. The governments of Canada and Ontario are continuing to complete their own internal processes to seek approval to sign the proposed settlement. These processes are not expected to change the terms of the proposed settlement in any way.

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Quotes:

“Today is a moment for the Robinson Huron Treaty Anishinaabek to celebrate our Treaty relationship as Robinson Huron Anishinaabek and the governments of Canada and Ontario. We
have completed our approvals, we now await Canada and Ontario to complete their respective approvals. It is especially important as we move forward with the settlement that we hope is a
symbol of the commitment of both Canada and Ontario to respect and uphold our inherent rights as Anishinaabek.” – Mike Restoule, Chair of the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

“Treaties are the foundation of this country and the Robinson Huron Treaty Gathering is an opportunity to learn about what the Treaty of 1850 really means for all of us, as First Nations
peoples and settlers. We welcome Canada and Ontario as we work together to strengthen our Treaty relationship.” – Duke Peltier, Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

“I am honoured to celebrate the Treaty relationship with the Robinson Huron First Nations. Respect, reciprocity, responsibility, and renewal are principles that keep your Treaty alive and
guide our relationship. As Canada continues to work with the communities to settle the historic grievances related to the annuities case, we must also work together to build opportunities for
the generations ahead. I am committed to working with you on your priorities and the fundamental principles of the settlement as we move forward together.” – Hon. Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Government of Canada

“Our government is proud to join leaders of the Robinson Huron First Nations to celebrate the 173rd anniversary of the Robinson Huron Treaty and recognize the efforts of all parties involved
in the proposed annuities settlement. Honouring the treaty relationship and working together in partnership with Canada and the Robinson Huron First Nations is key to advancing lasting
reconciliation. Together, we have made strong progress toward creating a better future for Indigenous peoples across Ontario.” – Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs of
Ontario