Garden River First Nation ratifies $10B settlement

Northern First Nation ratifies $10B settlement Garden River First Nation has signed off on a $10B settlement agreement with the governments of Canada and Ontario.

Garden River First Nation outside Sault Ste. Marie has signed off on a $10-billion settlement agreement between Robinson Huron Treaty signatories and the governments of Canada and Ontario.

The litigation was brought by 21 First Nations who were seeking a long overdue adjustment to the annuities they were promised under the treaty in 1850.

Garden River First Nation had some issues back in September with how the $10 billion would be distributed, but has now is signed off, the final group to do so.

In a statement Thursday, Garden River Chief Karen Bell calls the agreement a new chapter for the First Nation.

“Our ancestors envisioned collaboration based on equality and nation-to-nation relationships,” Bell said.

“Today, we move closer to that vision. We stand by that vision and the special relationship we have with the Crown ... Today we not only honour our past, but also secure a more prosperous and sustainable future for the Nation.”