QUESTION PERIOD — Crown-Indigenous Relations
Six Nations of the Grand River
October 31, 2023
Honourable senators, last Wednesday was the two hundred and thirty-ninth anniversary of the Haldimand Treaty. On behalf of Chief Hill, this question goes to the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, the Ontario Superior Court has rejected the motion of the Haudenosaunee Development Institute, or HDI, to intervene in the Six Nations of the Grand River band’s long‑standing action against Canada and Ontario. The Ontario Superior Court has also endorsed a timetable for the remaining pretrial steps in this action, which should see it ready to begin trial in early 2024.
Given that it has now been determined that the HDI will have no role at all in this litigation and given that the action is going to trial in the coming year, why has the federal government not yet taken any meaningful steps to enter into negotiations with the Six Nations of the Grand River to resolve this claim?
Thank you for your question. The government is committed to working collaboratively to address Six Nations’ historical claims and their land rights in a way that respects the unique history and circumstances of the Six Nations.
It is my understanding that the government has sent a letter — and I apologize for the pronunciation — to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council and the Six Nations elected chief and council, seeking to design a process to work together on mutual priorities. Any lasting approach to address these matters requires a collaborative effort from all parties. Again, the government is committed to working with the Six Nations Elected Council, the Confederacy Chiefs Council and the Province of Ontario to discuss how best to support Six Nations in advancing their interests.
Thank you. I’m looking forward to hearing that the letter has been received. It’s not something the chief is aware of at this moment, so I’m hopeful that, as you said, it is in motion and that it is a true collaboration as we work through this.
