The Federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development recently signed the final settlement agreement, so the claim is now over and the agreement is now legally in effect.

There will be an official signing ceremony early in the new year with representatives of all interested
parties including Advisory Board members, which includes the Six Mile Lake Cottagers’ Association.

The Wahta claim was accepted for negotiation in February 1993.

In May 1998 an Agreement-in-Principle was signed between the Wahta Mohawk First Nation,
Canada and Ontario.  The agreement includes:

• 8,000 to 8,300 acres of provincial land which Canada recommends be set aside as reserve lands.
• $9.65 million as financial compensation.
• all property owners’ rights of access to their land are protected.
• all public roads and public access to Gibson, Six Mile, Gray and Go Home Lakes are protected.
• affected hunting camp owners can retain their current sites for 10 years or be assisted to relocate.

The agreement was voted on by the Wahta Band in June of 2003 and again in October of 2003 when it was ratified by a majority.

You can find more information at the links below.

• Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat Negotiations Branch
• Wahta Mohawks