February 25, 2002

RED SUCKER LAKE, Man.--Provincial Crown land totalling just over 9,200 acres has been transferred to Canada for designation as reserve land for the use and benefit of the Red Sucker Lake First Nation, completing a federal government obligation under Treaty No. 5.

"The province wants to maintain the spirit of co-operation that led to the people of Red Sucker Lake First Nation receiving the land to which they are entitled," said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson. "Our government is committed to working with Aboriginal communities on a number of initiatives leading to greater self-determination in areas such as land and resource use, education and family services. We are pleased to be able to work with Red Sucker Lake First Nation and the Government of Canada on this important initiative."

Under a Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement signed on March 14, 1994, Manitoba agreed to set aside certain unoccupied Crown lands to enable Canada to fulfil its obligation under Treaty No. 5 to Red Sucker Lake First Nation. The transfer of lands fulfils the settlement agreement resolving outstanding treaty land entitlement of Red Sucker Lake First Nation.

The transfer agreement between Canada and Manitoba covers 9,216 acres of unoccupied land over eight sites: Red Sucker River to East End, Moose Lake, Moses Point, Neyakwayak Point, Hudson Bay Island, Keno’s Camp, Community Island and North Wachusk Point and islands. The land is located around the Red Sucker Lake First Nation near the northeast slope of the Manitoba-Ontario border.

Canada entered into Treaty No. 5 with Saulteaux and Swampy Cree Indians in September of 1875. In August of 1909, the government extended the benefits of the treaty to the Island Lake Band. In July of 1969, the Island Lake Band split into four bands: Red Sucker Lake, St. Theresa Point, Garden Hill and Wasagamack. In March of 1994, the four bands signed treaty land entitlement agreements.

As part of the Constitution Act of 1930 and the Manitoba Natural Resources Transfer Act (S.M. 1930), Manitoba agreed that it would assist Ottawa with unfulfilled treaty obligations by providing unoccupied Crown land to enable Canada to fulfil its outstanding obligations under treaties signed with Manitoba Indian bands.

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