SEINE RIVER FIRST NATION – The Canadian and Ontario governments and Seine River First Nation have announced that they have reached a $125.67 million tripartite settlement agreement regarding the Seine River First Nation's Treaty 3 Flooding Claim.
According to a release, Chief John Kabatay Sr stated that filed the claim in 1988 after the construction of the Fort Frances-International Falls Dam across the Rainy River caused significant flooding to their reserve land. During that time, the flooding continued to impact the First Nation to this day.
"Seine River First Nation has had 13 years, with unwavering community leadership despite the setbacks and changes in the government. But now we focus on a new day, the start of positive change, a move in the right direction recognizing that we have a lot of work to do and although this is one step closer in the act of reconciliation,” said Kabatay Sr in a release.
The settlement will provide compensation to Seine River First Nation with Canada paying $64.95 million and Ontario paying $60.72 million.
Kabatay Sr said, “We need Canadian Governments to understand and recognize we have to do this together. We still have a long journey ahead of us and government needs to recognize that true reconciliation can only take place when our community can preserve and celebrate our culture, protect our land, environment and with the proper support to improve our social and economic status to be that of what other Canadians continue to have while we face the daily challenges of living below the poverty line in Canada.”
Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada acknowledges the socio-economic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada are a result of decades of colonial policies of resource collection which led to the dispossession of Indigenous land.
“Canada failed to protect the Seine River First Nation's reserve lands and acted without considering the economic and historical implications. We will continue to rebuild trust and build a better relationship with the Seine River First Nation,” stated Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Indigenous Relations.
Both the Government of Canada and Ontario reaffirm their commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous partners.
"Settling this claim is a major milestone in our journey to advance reconciliation with the Seine River First Nation and Indigenous peoples across Ontario. The agreement, achieved through fair, respectful and meaningful negotiation, will enhance the social and economic well-being of the community and bring greater prosperity to the surrounding region,” stated Greg Rickford, Ontario's Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
“We know the settlement will assist in some of our future goals. One of those goals is to take care of the next generation. Our Legacy Trust Fund is exactly that, a Legacy for the next generations building a better today for a much more prosperous tomorrow. We are positive in moving our community plan and vision forward and this settlement adds to hard work and leadership required for us to meet our community commitment to build a better life for our children,” said Chief John Kabatay Sr, Seine River First Nation.
