Memorandum Of Understanding - Manitoba Denesuline

Without Prejudice Memorandum Of Understanding

BETWEEN:

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN,
as represented by

THE MINISTER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT,
hereafter referred to as "Canada"

AND

THE SAYISI DENE FIRST NATION

AND

THE NORTHLANDS DENE FIRST NATION,
hereafter referred to as "the Manitoba Denesuline".

WHEREAS the Manitoba Denesuline assert Treaty and Aboriginal rights north of 60 degrees latitude and other relief in the case of Chief Simon Samuel et al v. Her Majesty the Queen et a/. Court No. T-703-93 and claim relief in respect thereof;

WHEREAS Canada and the Manitoba Denesuline ("the parties") wish to engage in without prejudice discussions aimed at fully and finally settling the issues raised in the litigation;

WHEREAS the parties recognize the need to consult or involve other groups to achieve a settlement, including the territorial government, Inuit organizations and the Saskatchewan Denesuline in the Benoanie litigation; and

WHEREAS the parties desire that this document and any such discussions be protected by settlement privilege, and that they not create or recognize legally enforceable rights for either party, until any final settlement is achieved and signed, except as otherwise expressly agreed to between counsel;

THEREFORE the parties have agreed to engage in without prejudice discussions covering the following principal issues:

1. harvesting rights north of 60 degrees latitude;
2. land selection;
3. concerns of the Manitoba Denesuiine with respect to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement; and
4. legal costs.