What are Comprehensive Land Claims?
Comprehensive land claims (CLCAs), also known as modern treaties, include Indigenous bodies, the Crown, and provincial or territorial governments
Modern treaties / CLCAs provide clarity and predictability with respect to land and resource rights, ownership, and management
Modern treaties seek to ensure fair treatment of Indigenous interests with respect to cultural, social, political, and economic rights, including rights to lands, and to fish and hunt and practice their own cultures.
These claims, which are settled by negotiation, follow a process established by the federal government to enable First Nations, Inuit and Métis to obtain full recognition as the original inhabitants of what is now Canada.
A Quick History
Comprehensive land claims arise where Aboriginal land rights have not been dealt with by treaties or other legal means.
These treaties are made with legislation and include certainty about ownership; use and management of land and resources; and can include provisions relating to Aboriginal self-government. These rights receive constitutional protection.
These settlements have provided…
Aboriginal ownership over 600,000km²
Protection of traditional ways of life
Land & resources management decisions
Capital transfers of over $3.2 billion
Resource development opportunities
Certainty to Aboriginal land rights
Associated self-government rights and political recognition
Modern Treaties
Since 1973, Canada has signed 25 CLCAs including 18 provisions for self-governance. The Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement (1993) involves 7 separate CLCAs
Modern treaties are located in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia
CLCAs in Effect
Bibliography
Branch, G. of C. I. and N. A. C. C. (2008, November 3). Treaties and agreements [Administrative page]. Retrieved December 15, 2019, from https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028574/1529354437231#chp3
Crowe, K., Comprehensive Land Claims: Modern Treaties (2019). In The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/comprehensive-land-claims-modern-treaties
Government of Canada, P. W. and G. S. C. (2012, January 18). 9.35. Modern Treaties. Retrieved December 16, 2019, from https://buyandsell.gc.ca/policy-and-guidelines/supply-manual/section/9/35
Indigenous Law 