"For some years now, the Government of Canada has been engaged in attempting to resolve what have come to be known as Comprehensive Native Land Claims, through a negotiation process. There has been moderate success but much more remains to be done. The purpose of this book is to set out for the consideration of all Canadians what the government proposes as the way forward. I say all Canadians advisedly: I hope this book will be looked at by Natives and non-Natives, by northerners and southerners, by those among us who seek to conserve and by those among us who seek to develop. What this statement contains above all, in this time of political uncertainty and general financial restraint, is a formal re-affirmation of a commitment: that commitment is to bring to a full and satisfactory conclusion, the resolution of Native land claims.
All Canadians would agree that claims have been left unresolved for too long. My wish is that this book will give all interested persons an idea of the depth of my personal commitment as well as the government's to endorsing, developing and implementing the policy initiated by one of my predecessors, the Honourable Jean Chretien.
Essentially what is being addressed here are claims based on the concept of 'aboriginal title' - their history, current activities surrounding them, and our proposals for dealing with them in the future. While this statement is concerned with the claims of this nature it does not preclude government consideration of claims relating to historic loss of lands by particular bands or groups of bands. Indeed, the government, in consultation with Indian organization across Canada, is currently reviewing its policy with respect to specific claims over a wide spectrum of historic grievances - unfulfilled treaty obligations, administration of Indian assets under the Indian Act and other matters requiring attention." -- Provided by forward
