Canada and Treaty One First Nations sign Comprehensive Settlement Agreement for Kapyong Barracks
August 30, 2019 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
In the spirit of collaboration and renewed relationships, the Government of Canada and the Treaty One First Nations today signed a Comprehensive Settlement Agreement for the former Kapyong Barracks land in Winnipeg. This settlement is the result of a successful, multi-year process that brought together the Treaty One First Nations and federal partners to arrive at a satisfactory solution for all parties.
On behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, joined Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation; Chief Deborah Smith, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation; Chief Glenn Hudson, Peguis First Nation; Chief Craig Alexander, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation; Chief Derrick Henderson, Sagkeeng First Nation; Chief Lance Roulette, Sandy Bay First Nation; and a representative, on behalf of Chief Francine Meeches, Swan Lake First Nation in a signing ceremony in Winnipeg.
This agreement outlines the terms for the sale of the Kapyong Barracks land, based on the shared understandings outlined in the April 2018 Agreement in Principle. It represents a renewed, positive relationship between Canada and the Treaty One First Nations. We remain committed to working together toward the final transfer and redevelopment of the lands.
Quotes
“In the spirit of Tecumseh, we acknowledge our Treaty One family for their perseverance and dedication to Kapyong. We acknowledge Canada and DND for coming to terms, and in the spirit of reconciliation, with the Treaty One Government after 17 years. The promise of tomorrow is upon us.”
Chief Dennis Meeches, Treaty One First Nations Spokesperson, Long Plain First Nation
“This day marks the beginning of a remarkable journey for the people of Treaty One. Kapyong represents economic reconciliation and an opportunity for Treaty One First Nations to be included in the economic prosperity of our ancestral lands. This day also marks the beginning of a journey which will see the rebuilding and strengthening of our nations. I believe most importantly, it is a time of hope for our people to build a future deserving of our next seven generations.”
Chief Deborah Smith, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
“It is with great honor and pleasure to have collaborated with Canada to realize a vision from our past leadership who recognized a goal for economic prosperity for our Treaty 1 Nations. With this historic signing of the Comprehensive Settlement Agreement, Treaty 1 First Nations can now move forward by establishing an urban reserve at the Kapyong lands and ensure economic benefits for our people and the City of Winnipeg.”
Chief Craig Alexander, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation
“The Agreement is a recognition by the Government of Canada that the Treaty One First Nations are the rightful titleholders of the lands within the Treaty One territory. The Crown speaks of reconciliation and this is one step in the right direction. The transfer of the Kapyong lands will provide the seven Treaty One First Nations sustainable economic opportunities for the next seven generations.”
Chief Derrick Henderson, Sagkeeng First Nation
“As we move forward on this initiative, we begin to build on the foundation of a renewed treaty relationship with all levels of government. This relationship is a collective approach to clarity and specific understanding that our treaty relationship cannot go forward unrecognized. The shared resources and partnerships that we will embark upon shall be one of equality and revenue sharing. We as Treaty One believe that our involvement is key in any project or initiatives that proceeds in our territory as indigenous people of a sui-generous nature.”
Chief Lance Roulette, Sandy Bay First Nation
“This Comprehensive Settlement Agreement reflects a renewed relationship that our government will continue to build on. This is a significant milestone in the relationship between Canada and the Treaty One First Nations.”
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
“The Comprehensive Settlement Agreement is an historic step forward in our reconciliation journey with the Treaty One First Nations as we renew and strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship. The transfer of the Kapyong Barracks land to the Treaty One First Nations is a concrete demonstration of our commitment to work together to build healthier, more sustainable communities.”
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
“After years of negotiation and dialogue between the Crown and the Treaty One First Nations, I am pleased to have participated in today’s ceremony. The transfer of this land is important for building a just and inclusive future for all Manitobans.”
The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre
Quick Facts
- Under the terms of the Comprehensive Settlement Agreement, the Department of National Defence will sell 68% of the Kapyong Barracks property to the Treaty One First Nations.
- The remaining 32% of the former Kapyong Barracks lands will be sold through a separate agreement to the Canada Lands Company CLC Limited for redevelopment.
- The transfer of the former Kapyong Barracks lands to the Treaty One First Nations is expected to happen once Canada and the First Nations have completed the necessary steps for the creation of reserve lands. While timelines can vary, this is anticipated to take four to five years.
- Formerly part of Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg, the Kapyong Barracks property is comprised of approximately 65 hectares of land.
- The Kapyong Barracks were used by the Canadian Armed Forces until 2004, when the 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry moved to Canadian Forces Base Shilo.
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