The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, along with federal and provincial representatives, has announced a proposed financial settlement to resolve the Rouge River Valley Tract Claim, a long-standing treaty-related dispute.

Ogimaa-Kwe (Chief) Claire Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Ontario's Minister for Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Greg Rickford, and the federal Canadian Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree confirmed the agreement.

The proposed settlement includes C$108.4 million from Canada and C$75 million from Ontario, totalling C$183.4 million (AUD 202 million) to compensate for past losses.

Negotiators have initialled the agreement, signalling their recommendation for ratification and signing.

The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation's claim relates to outstanding Aboriginal rights and title over 128,697 acres of land in the Rouge River Valley Tract on the north shore of Lake Ontario.

The claim dates back to the late 18th century.

Chief Sault said the settlement marks a significant step in repairing the Nation-to-Nation relationship with Ontario and Canada.

"The proposed settlement represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to renew and repair our Nation-to-Nation relationships with Ontario and Canada," Chief Sault said.

"Resolving these claims is both necessary and just.

"As a progressive First Nation, the Mississaugas of the Credit is committed to working with our partners and neighbours in continuing to build a strong, self-sustaining community."

Minister Anandasangaree said the agreement reflects the commitment to rebuilding trust and advancing reconciliation.

"The proposed settlement is a major step forward in our shared work to renew and repair our Nation-to-Nation relationship with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation," he said.

"Settling claims is the right thing to do. By addressing past wrongs through a shared solution, we can begin to rebuild trust and continue moving forward together in our journey toward reconciliation and a better future."

Minister Rickford said Ontario remains committed to resolving historic grievances through meaningful dialogue.

"Ontario acknowledges its responsibility to address historic grievances through respectful and meaningful dialogue with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation," he said.

"The proposed settlement reflects Chief Sault's leadership and our shared commitment to strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships and fostering lasting economic reconciliation."

The First Nation will now begin a community engagement process to provide members with information about the proposed settlement.

A vote will be scheduled to determine community approval.

If ratified, the agreement must also be formally endorsed by the Mississaugas of the Credit, Ontario, and Canada before it can be finalised.

The settlement does not impact private property ownership within the claim area, and the Rouge National Urban Park will remain a national park.

The First Nation submitted the claim in 2015, and negotiations with Canada began in 2022, with Ontario joining in 2024.

If finalised, the agreement will resolve a 230-year-old treaty dispute and contribute to reconciliation by addressing past injustices.