Mi'kmaq Confederacy updating members on Hog Island land claim

The Mi'kmaqConfederacy of P.E.I. is hosting informationsessions this week about the settlement of a specific land claim for Hog Island an island off the North Shore.

Specific claims are based on historical grievances overissues like unfulfilled treaty obligations, loss of reserve lands and mishandled First Nations funds or other assets.

According to the confederacy, the federal governmentoriginally purchased the islands that make up Hog Island in 1942 to be part of Lennox Island First Nation. However, it was never given reserve status and is still owned by the federal government.

The confederacy, which representsLennox Island and Abegweit First Nations, said both councils agreed to enter negotiations with thefederal government over the specific claim in 2017.

Hog Island is narrow androughly 15 kilometres long, comprised of George Island, Fish Island and Bill Hook Island. It is not connected to the mainland but is accessible by boat.

Hog Island forms a protective barrier between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and P.E.I., including Lennox Island.

According to the province, archeological digs have found use by Indigenous people dating back 1,000 years.

It also has an interesting geological feature with a section ofigneous rock, which is considered rare on P.E.I.

Updating on negotiations

The federal government announced last year that it was working to streamline the specific claim system.

The informational sessions by the confederacy will update First Nation memberson the status of the negotiations.

One meeting was held Tuesday afternoon on Lennox Island. The other sessions are Wednesday in Scotchfort and Thursday in Charlottetown.

The confederacy is looking to resolve a number of issues including: replacement lands for Hog Island and/or compensation for the land that was not transferred,and compensation for loss of the use of the lands since they were first purchased in 1942.

They are also looking to determine a path forward for Hog Island that will keep itprotected for future generations.

Once a settlement has been reached by the federal government and the First Nation leadership, it will go to the membership for a vote.

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