Discussion Table with the Huron-Wendat Nation: Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and Appointment of Benoit Pelletier

The establishment of the discussion table and the signing of the memorandum of understanding are concrete measures reflecting Canada's acknowledgement of the Anglo-Huron Treaty of 1760, as confirmed by the Sioui ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1990. In this decision, the Supreme Court confirmed the validity of a treaty between the Huron-Wendat and the British Crown in 1760. With this treaty, the Huron-Wendat were assured the freedom to exercise their religion and customs, and to conduct trade with the British. The Supreme Court did not clearly define the scope and content of the Anglo-Huron Treaty, leading to the creation of a discussion table on this treaty.

Minister John Duncan took the opportunity to announce the appointment of Benoit Pelletier as the chief representative of the Government of Canada at the discussion table on the Anglo-Huron Treaty of 1760. Minister Duncan said he was delighted to be able to count on Mr. Pelletier's vast experience in the upcoming discussions with the Huron-Wendat Nation.

"Mr. Pelletier has extensive knowledge of Aboriginal issues and more specifically, issues that affect the First Nations of Quebec. I am confident that Mr. Pelletier will make a considerable contribution to the discussion table by enhancing the content of discussions with representatives of the Huron-Wendat Nation," said Minister Duncan.

Grand Chief Sioui said he was pleased that, "250 years after the signing of the Anglo-Huron Treaty and 20 years after the Sioui ruling, the Huron-Wendat Nation has received a new commitment from Canada to a discussion process on the scope of this treaty. The Sioui decision confirmed the importance of Nation-to-Nation relations between the Crown and First Nations."

The Huron-Wendat community is located in Wendake, 8 km north of Quebec City on the east shore of Saint-Charles River.

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