As the Government of Canada continues to strive to advance reconciliation by facilitating the process of adding reserve land, expansion of the community land base is a crucial step through which First Nations can foster community and economic growth.
As per a press release, today, Honourable Marc Miller, minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated the Klahoose First Nation for its recent land base expansion through the addition to the reserve process.
A total of 14.30 acres (5.79 hectares) of land was added to the Tork Reserve located on Cortes Island, British Columbia. The land addition will allow Klahoose to fulfil its present and future needs, both for traditional and community-based uses.
Canada has a strong commitment to promoting economic development and growth opportunities in First Nation communities to support self-determination. Klahoose First Nation plans to develop the property as a potential campsite or RV site to establish an economic foundation for tourism.
The addition of land to reserves is crucial for First Nations‘ development of healthier and more sustainable communities. It also aids in the revitalization of regional communities, which is beneficial to the communities.
“The recent expansion of Klahoose First Nation’s reserve land base is key to their autonomy and self-governance, and a critical step in supporting reconciliation. Additions to reserve is a contributing factor to economic growth which benefits both First Nations communities, provinces, and neighbouring municipalities, and our government is committed to helping facilitate new opportunities for Klahoose First Nation to advance its ongoing work to improve community well-being and promote local economic initiatives, ” said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, minister of Indigenous Services