Lac Seul First Nation and Canada finalize settlement claim 

Tim Brody - Editor

In a signing ceremony on July 26 in Kejick Bay, Lac Seul First Nation, Chief Clifford Bull, band councillors, Elders, members of the Lac Seul First Nation, and Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, celebrated the signing of an 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.”
Also in attendance were Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance, Treaty #3 Ogichidaa Grand Chief Francis Kavanaugh, and Treaty #3 Gaakinawataagizod Deputy Grand Chief Cheyenne Vandermeer. 
“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,” Lac Seul First Nation Chief Clifford Bull stated. 
“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,” said Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree.
“Today, we gather to honour the resilience and enduring spirit of the Obishikokaang Anishinaabeg,” Bull stated. “Our ancestors lived and thrived in the Lac Seul region for thousands of years, guided by the wisdom and gifts of Giche-Manidoo. This land, our traditional territory, was the heart of our culture and the foundation of our way of life.
“In 1874, under the leadership of Chief John Crow Martin, we entered Treaty #3, which promised us the right to continue our traditional practices and to live prosperously on our chosen reserve lands. Our forebears selected this site for its bountiful resources and sacred significance, ensuring that future generations could sustain our heritage.
“However, in 1934, without our knowledge or consent, the waters of Lac Seul were raised, flooding our homes, sacred grounds, and means of livelihood.
Eighty-two reserve houses, council buildings, and the revered Midewiwin Grounds were lost, forcing many families into homelessness 
and hardship.
The resources we depended on-timber, muskrat swamps, agricultural areas, and wild rice beds-were decimated.
“Today, we remember and honor those who suffered and persevered through this tragedy. This memorial stands as a testament to their strength and a reminder of the profound impact of those events. As we look to the future, let us carry forward the legacy of our ancestors with pride and determination, ensuring that the history and culture of the Obishikokaang Anishinaabeg remain vibrant and respected,” Bull shared. 
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,” a July 26 media release from the Office of the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations stated.  
“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,” the ministry further informed.