The Williams Treaties: First Nations Settlement Agreement
Who are the Williams Treaties First Nations?
Looking Back: The Williams Treaties
1700s to 1800s
Treaties made for the southern part of First Nations’ traditional lands that protect their harvesting rights
Mid-1800s
First Nations first petition Crown about settlers on northern part of their traditional lands who are interfering with their harvesting
1923
Williams Treaties signed to try to deal with First Nations’ complaints, but lead to longstanding disputes about compensation, land and harvesting
1992
First Nations file litigation seeking justice and fair compensation
The Claim: The Crown did not act honourably when making and implementing the Williams Treaties
- Proper compensation and additional lands not provided in 1923
- First Nations’ harvesting rights unjustly denied
Timeline: Path to Out-of-Court Settlement
Dec. 2015
Start of exploratory talks
March 2017
Negotiations begin with Canada, Ontario and First Nations
June 2018
First Nations members approve settlement
Aug. 2018
Ontario and Canada sign settlement
Nov. 2018
Federal and provincial apologies
The Negotiated Settlement Agreement
- Recognition of pre-existing treaty rights for First Nations members in certain treaty areas
- Federal and provincial apologies for negative impacts of the Williams Treaties on First Nations
- Financial compensation – $666 million from Canada and $444 million from Ontario
- Additional Reserve Lands – Each First Nation can acquire and apply to add up to 11,000 acres to their reserve land base
Looking Ahead – continue to work together as partners to:
Fully implement the settlement
Renew ongoing treaty relationship
Foster reconciliation and understanding
