FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION -- Residents of Fort William First Nation appear to favour dividing a $99-million land settlement claim amongst the band's membership.
But there is also plenty of sentiment that favoured using some of the windfall to help rebuild the Northwestern Ontario community.
Although a vote won’t take place until this summer, at a public band meeting on Monday night most in attendance told FWFN leadership they thought the majority of the money should go to the membership.
However Chief Peter Collins did call for $10 million to be set aside for economic development.
The two-decade-old claim, which has yet to be officially accepted by Fort William First Nation, likely won’t be delivered until October at the earliest.
Elder Maurice Pelletier called the money, offered in exchange for 1,600 acres of land expropriated from the band to build railway allowances more than a century ago, as a step in the right direction.
He added it’s about time the government of Canada recognized the claim.
“It’s a long time coming I think. It’s going to help a lot of people,” Pelletier said. “At my age, it’s going to help to some extent, but it’s more important for the younger people, the younger generation. Our role is to teach them what this is all about.”
Pelletier does think their needs to be some community use of the money, including housing upgrades on the reserve.
“I’d like to see that come into play,” Pelletier said, adding he’d also like to see it used to better manage the band’s resources and foster economic development to help the community become self-supportive.
“Those are the things right there.”
Chief Peter Collins, speaking before the meeting took place, said there’s still the obstacle of getting the claim officially accepted by Fort William First Nation members.
A band council resolution must first be created and sent to vote. If accepted, an agreement with Ottawa will be formulated, likely by the end of June.
“And then we start the ratification process,” Collins said.
“Tonight is just about explaining the process so they know exactly the dates and how this thing will transpire so I won’t have this question next week or next month about when exactly the disbursements will take place.”
Commenting on Facebook, Skye Collins had plenty of suggestions about what to do with the money.
“Definitely we could use all kinds of establishments and programs for our elders and people recovering from addictions,” she said.
“And importantly, for our youth to have a safe environment to grow amongst the other community members so all will feel welcome.”
-- With files from Thunder Bay Television's Rachelle Elsiufi
