March 3, 2025 — Hagersville, Ontario
Canada continues to prioritize rebuilding trust with Indigenous communities and supporting their rights. By working together on shared goals, the government shows its dedication to strengthening these relationships.
Today, Ogimaa-Kwe (Chief) Claire Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced a $30 million advance payment from Canada. This payment will count toward a future settlement for resolving the First Nation’s Treaty 22 and Treaty 23 claim.
Canada and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation began negotiating this claim in 2022. The issue dates back to 1820, when Canada did not protect the First Nation’s interests during the sale of 10,940 acres of their reserve land under Treaties 22 and 23.
Using new methods like the Specific Claims Advance Payment Framework allows First Nations to receive compensation sooner in the claims process. This approach highlights Canada’s efforts to support reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination, as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Canada believes resolving claims through discussion—rather than conflict—is the best way to address past harms, uphold treaty promises, and improve relationships with First Nations for everyone’s benefit.
Key Details:
- From April 2020 to February 2025, Canada resolved 213 claims, paying nearly $13.17 billion in compensation.
- In the last year alone (April 2024 to February 2025), 56 claims were settled, totaling $5.25 billion.
- Since 1973, over 760 specific claims have been resolved through collaboration with First Nations.
About the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation:
- Located in Southern Ontario, their traditional territory spans from the Rouge River Valley to Lake Erie and includes parts of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.
- They care for and manage roughly 3.9 million acres of land, water, and resources.
- As of January 2025, the First Nation has 2,848 registered members.
This agreement reflects ongoing steps toward healing historical injustices and building a fairer future.