Ottawa Senators, Algonquin First Nations work toward LeBreton Flats economic deal

The Ottawa Senators say they’re working toward a long-term economic partnership with 11 Algonquin First Nations around a planned new arena at LeBreton Flats.

Thursday’s announcement from the team contained few details, but the Senators are promising to share more information once the agreement has been finalized.

“Both parties have identified a strong alignment in their commitment to creating Ottawa–Gatineau’s next great gathering place — one that recognizes and honours the deep cultural and historical significance of these lands to the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation,” the Senators said.

They said the partnership is consistent with the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) master plans for LeBreton Flats, a former industrial area at the edge of Ottawa’s downtown that has been targeted for widespread development.

That plan calls for Algonquins to be a key partner in the project, for it to respect and showcase Algonquin culture, and for those First Nations to see concrete and significant benefits.

The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, one of the First Nations involved, said on social media that real progress is being made toward a partnership that should provide it with substantial revenue.

The Senators and NCC are working toward a new arena and surrounding district between the Bayview and Pimisi light rail stations.

Ottawa-Gatineau and the surrounding area is unceded Algonquin territory, with two major land claims underway from the Algonquins of Ontario, which includes Pikwakanagan, and from a group of Algonquin First Nations in what’s now Quebec.

The 11 First Nations involved in these partnership talks with the Senators are Pikogan (Abitibiwinni First Nation), Apitipi Anicinapek, Kebaowek, Kitcisakik, Kitigan Zibi, Lac Simon, Long Point, Mitchikanibikok Inik (Barriere Lake), Pikwakanagan, Timiskaming and Wolf Lake.