Canada's top Indian affairs official says land claims that predate the creation of the federal government are the responsibility of individual provinces.

Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice says land claims that arose before the British North America Act of 1867 aren't a federal responsibility. That would mean the province of Ontario has to settle a dispute with the Six Nations over land in Caledonia.

Native protesters have occupied a construction site in Caledonia since February. Ontario officials say the federal government must play a role in resolving the claim.

Get the Story:
McGuinty rejects federal Caledonia stance (CP 11/2)
End occupation, politicians told (CP 11/1)

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