A landmark case involving Lac Seul First Nation and the federal government is before the Supreme Court of Canada today.
The Southwind case relates to unlawful flooding of Lac Seul in 1929 when the Ear Falls Dam was built to supply hydroelectric power to Ontario and Manitoba. Nearly one-fifth of the reserve was rendered unusable.
It also damaged the gravesites of community ancestors and shoreline erosion continues today.
The community stresses no legal authorization was ever obtained for the flooding of the land.
Officials say community members have repeatedly faced the emotional burden of reburying eroded remains and witnessing destruction of their burial sites for over 90 years.
The Community has been seeking assistance to resolve the issue but says the provincial and federal governments have not taken responsibility or offered any meaningful support.
Lac Seul has been fighting this issue since 1985 when a claim was first filed.
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa says he stands in solidarity with the community in their fight, noting the people of Lac Seul have been waiting more than 90 years for a resolution.
The NDP critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation says Indigenous people and their ancestors sacrificed a great deal in the treaty process and still they have to beg the provincial and federal governments to uphold their treaty responsibilities.
