Give municipal officials a role in claim talks

When Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice makes changes to the land claim system this spring, he would be wise to consider the involvement of municipalities.

With the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte stating explicitly that the Culbertson Tract 923.5 acres encompassing 60 per cent of Deseronto and part of Tyendinaga Township is unsurrendered land, there is understandable worry amongst the residents on that tract. Many of them had no idea there was a land claim when they purchased or moved in to their homes. For the older residents, their ownership of their homes pre-dates the land claim process.

“I hope the federal government realizes their process is not as clear and as functional as they think it is,” said Coun. Edgar Tumak. “We want to be more a part of the process.”

Read the full story here