Milestone Reached on Land Base Expansion for Pic Mobert First Nation

Written by Ontario Newsroom on 25 March 2014

Chief Johanna Desmoulin (center left), Council members, and Ontario’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer (center right) during ceremonial process for Pic Mobert First Nation final agreement. Photo courtesy Louis Kwissiwa

Final Agreement Would Support New Economic Development Opportunities

Ontario, Canada and Pic Mobert First Nation have signed an agreement that will enhance social supports while strengthening the local economy and creating jobs.

The agreement would add about 16 square kilometres of provincial Crown land to the First Nation’s existing reserve in northern Ontario. The chief and council of the First Nation have agreed to take this agreement to its members for a ratification vote.

Left to right: Pic Mobert First Nation Chief Johanna Desmoulin; Negotiator for Ontario Lise Hansen, and Negotiator for Canada Pam Simpson initial final agreements for the Land and Larger Land Base Framework. Photo courtesy Louis Kwissiwa

This is the final step before it is put forward for ratification by Ontario and Canada. The agreement falls under the tripartite Land and Larger Land Base Framework, which provides land to signatory First Nations that are landless or have small reserves. The land is used to meet current and future social and economic needs. Resolving land-related issues is important to fostering reconciliation.

I am delighted we have reached this significant milestone in the negotiations. Increasing the land base of Pic Mobert First Nation will meet the current and future needs of the community and create new opportunities for the community and its residents.” David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

Strengthening Aboriginal communities is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths – its people and strategic partnerships.

Quick Facts

Pic Mobert First Nation has a current land base of 2.86 square kilometres and approximately 937 members. It is located between White River and Marathon in northern Ontario.
The Land and Larger Land Base framework was signed in 1991 among Canada, Ontario and six northern Ontario First Nations.
Two final agreements have been completed so far under the Land and Larger Land Base framework: Lake Nipigon Ojibway First Nation (2005) and Sand Point First Nation (2006).