ÎLE DE KEJICK BAY, PREMIÈRE NATION
DE LAC SEUL, TERRITOIRE DU TRAITÉ NO 3, ON, July 26,
2024 /CNW/ - Kejick Bay Island, Lac Seul First
Nation, Treaty 3 Territory, Ontario — Crown-Indigenous
Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Lac Seul First Nation
Today, in a signing ceremony on Kejick Bay Island, Chief
Clifford Bull, Elders, members of
the Lac Seul First Nation, and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree,
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, celebrated the signing of
the agreement settling Lac Seul's longstanding claim regarding the
flooding of over 11,000 acres of their reserve lands without
consent, lawful authorization, or compensation.
Lac Seul First Nation concluded
its historic claim on March 28, 2024,
after its members voted to ratify the settlement agreement. With
the finalization of this settlement agreement, Lac Seul First
Nation received a total compensation of $234
million.
The finalization of this settlement agreement marks a turning
point in the Government of Canada's relationship with Lac Seul First
Nation. Honouring Canada's legal
responsibility, acknowledging Canada's failure to uphold its treaty
obligations, and properly compensating Lac Seul First Nation are
key milestones in the federal government's shared path toward
reconciliation with the community.
Canada is committed to moving
forward with the community, guided by the principles and direction
of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples Act. By honouring and implementing treaty obligations
and taking responsibility by appropriately compensating nations
when these obligations are breached, the Government of Canada is taking steps to rebuild trust and
advance reconciliation.
Quotes
The celebration of this settlement today in our First Nation
marks the end of the suffering endured by generations of our
members who had to flee their homes because of the flooding that
took place nearly 100 years ago. It has taken too long to achieve
justice. Many of our Elders who waited patiently and fought for a
fair resolution have passed on without witnessing this important
event. But today also marks the beginning of a legacy for the
future generations of our First Nation and the first step towards
reconciliation with our federal Treaty partner.
Chief Clifford Bull
Lac Seul First Nation
Today's ceremony with Lac Seul First Nation helps bring
closure to their thirty-year fight for justice. It marks a crucial
step on the path to reconciliation and reaffirms our commitment to
continued building of trust with Lac Seul First Nation. Though
financial compensation will not undo the pain endured, today's
signing signifies a path forward and was the right thing to do.
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Quick facts
- Lac Seul First Nation—Obishikokaang—is an Anishinaabe Nation
located on Treaty 3 territory in Northwestern Ontario. Their traditional land
covers the northeast of Red Lake,
Lac Seul Watershed, Minnitaki Lake, and east to Sturgeon Lake.
- Lac Seul First Nation won their
Supreme Court of Canada Case, Southwind v. Canada, 2021 SCC
28, in 2021, where it was found that Canada had failed to protect Lac Seul First
Nation's interest in the reserve.
Related products
Lac Seul First Nation and
Canada settle Flooding Claim –
Canada.ca
Associated links
Lac Seul First Nation
Specific Claims
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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada