Members of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte will take part in an important vote this weekend.
Band members are being asked to cast a ballot in a ratification vote on the partial settlement with the Federal Government over the Culbertson Land Tract, which is a piece of land around the Territory and Deseronto that the band laid claim to in 1995.
MBQ Chief R. Don Maracle says the Federal Government made the proposal in the summer and the band council is now ready to put it to its members for a vote.
Chief Maracle tells Quinte News he can’t get into any specifics on the proposed agreement, but says it’s important for all eligible band members to have a voice on the issue.
“First of all, it increases our land base. It’s a generous sum of money to settle the loss of use claim on that land, nearly 300 acres and it can set a template of how land can be added to the reserve going forward. It’s important, we have 10,386 band members and about 8,600 voters.”
Chief Maracle says there are about 8,600 band members registered to vote and they need 25% plus one vote in favour of the deal to move forward.
Eligible band members can vote between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and again on October 16, at Quinte Mohawk School.
Quinte News reached out to Deseronto Mayor Dan Johnston who says the town has no formal comment at this time, noting that they appreciate the process and are waiting to see how it plays out.
