After 10 years of talks with Ottawa, the Moose Factory First Nation will be expanding its reserve boundaries by over 70 acres when the federal government transfers Crown land on the island to the band in June.
“It’s a first step in realizing the band’s hope for a greater role in the institutions located on that land which provide services to the people,” said Chief Ernest Beck.
The land in question houses the hospital, school and the old Indian Affairs buildings. It also includes all the teachers’ and nurses’ residences, Indian Affairs housing lots and the fire department.
“This has been an argument that the Moose Factory First Nation has been dealing with for 10 years,” said Chief Beck. “It’s our interest to correct the wrongs and take responsibility for what exists on the property.”
When the government established the reserve in 1947, it purchased over two-thirds of the island from the Hudson’s Bay Company, but only set aside a third for the reserve. The remaining land was used for building the school and hospital.
“We will have a greater say in how the school is run,” said the Chief. “But we want to work with the school board for our cultural needs to be recognized in the curriculum.”
The transfer of the land will also mean control of the hospital and will make way for the proposed new hospital being planned by the First Nation.
As part of the land transfer, people now living on the properties will not be adversely affected. If anything, they will benefit. The discussion with Indian Affairs will include tax exemption for the individuals living and working in the area. Until now, they had to pay property and income taxes whether they were Native or not Details are still being worked out Chief Beck stressed that all organizations and individuals presently based in the transferred areas will be able to lease their lots for a nominal fee of one or two dollars.
Chief Beck added that although the land is being taken over by Moose Factory, it will not have reserve status. Instead, it will be used by the band and individuals as equity to secure bank loans.
“Our intent is to acquire as much property as we can that will be owned by the Moose Factory First Nation for future developments, such as housing and commercial ventures,” said Chief Beck.
In past years, the reserve’s population has expanded and it is experiencing a shortage of land for new housing. Currently there are over 180 people on a waiting list for housing.