B.C. SETTLES THE FINAL FOUR OF 22 CUT-OFF CLAIMS

Cut-off claims date back to the 1912-1916 McKenna-McBride Royal Commission into the size of Indian reserves in B.C. Approximately 500 new reserves were created across Canada as a result of the commission’s final report, comprising roughly 35,208 hectares (87,000 acres). However, 22 bands in B.C. had portions of their reserves cut off without their consent – approximately 19,020 hectares (47,000 acres).

Over the ensuing decades, the 22 affected bands lobbied both federal and provincial governments for the return of their lands.

In 1977, B.C. committed to join Canada in negotiating settlement of the cut-off claims with the 22 bands. In 1982, B.C. passed the Indian Cut-off Lands Disputes Act, which paved the way for the negotiation of the first crop of cut-off claim agreements beginning that year. The act was amended in 1996, clearing the way for settlement of the remaining disputes.

Under the act, cut-off claim agreements may include a land transfer under the Land Act to Canada for the use and benefit of the First Nation, or money from the consolidated revenue fund, or both.

Cut-off claims by the Seton Lake Band, Gitwangak and Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations were the last in B.C. relating to the McKenna-McBride commission.

The complete list of 22 First Nations resolving cut-off claims follows:

Gitwangak Band Council

Seton Lake Indian Band

Metlakatla Band

Lax Kw'alaams Indian Band

Alexandria Indian Band

Beecher Bay Indian Band (Scia'new First Nation)

Chemainus First Nation

Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band

Gingolx

Nazko Indian Band

Tlatlasikwala Band (formerly Nuwitti)

Huu-ay-aht First Nations

Okanagan Indian Band

Osoyoos Indian Band

Penticton Indian Band

Quatsino First Nation

Tseshaht First Nation

Songhees First Nation

Squamish First Nation

Ulkatcho First Nations

Upper Similkameen Indian Band

Westbank First Nation

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Media contact:	Maria Wilkie Communications Director 250 953-3211 250 361-7720 (cell)

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