The First Nation is also getting $590,000 in compensation for a land dispute dating back to 1906

CBC Indigenous: Matachewan First Nation in northeastern Ontario will be adding 4,572 acres to its reserve after settling a land claim with the Ontario government that dates back to 1906.

The community, located about 59 kilometres west of Kirkland Lake, will also receive $590,000 from the province as part of the land entitlement claim under Treaty 9.

In 2019, Matachewan reached an agreement with the federal government, which included $16 million in compensation.

Matachewan Chief Alex ‘Sonny’ Batisse told CBC News it was a long process to reach a settlement with both levels of government.

“I’m pretty much overwhelmed myself because I practically started it in 2013 and then finishing it,” he said.

“It also encourages the other First Nations, you know, across Canada or wherever they may be, that are going through to an entitlement like us.”

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Cathy Yandeau, Matachewan’s lands and resources co-ordinator, said the land settlement will connect the community to the Montreal River, which was a traditional travelway.

“I think it’s going to benefit the community to be able to prosper and grow in so many ways like economically and social well-being,” she said.

“It is coming along beautifully and it’s getting close to being finalized.”

Yandeau added that she’s personally proud the settlement was reached, and that it will especially benefit her children and grandchildren.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jonathan Migneault, Digital reporter/editor

Jonathan Migneault is a CBC digital reporter/editor based in Sudbury. He is always looking for good stories about northeastern Ontario. Send story ideas to jonathan.migneault@cbc.ca.

With files from Jonathan Pinto and James Chaarani