Land claims are grievances brought by First Nations people against the Crown due to unfulfilled treaty obligations or breach of responsibility regarding Indian interests in land. In such cases, the First Nation may be legally entitled to land and/or financial compensation.

  • The resolution of land claims is primarily a federal responsibility. The Government of Canada reserved land and mineral rights for First Nations as a result of treaties signed in the 1800s.

  • First Nations in Alberta that signed Treaty 6 (1876), Treaty 7 (1877) and Treaty 8 (1899) surrendered their lands to the federal government in exchange for certain benefits, including the provision of reserve lands.

  • While land claims are a federal responsibility, Alberta has a constitutional obligation under the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement (Constitution Act, 1930) to transfer back to Canada unoccupied Crown lands necessary to allow Canada to settle claims with First Nations.

  • Alberta is a leader in Canada in settling land claims. Since 1986, Alberta has been successful in settling 12 treaty land entitlement claims.

  • The settlement of land claims provides enhanced certainty for the parties involved and for industry with respect to resource development.