Seine River First Nation, Treaty 3 Territory, Ontario - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the Government of Ontario
Today, Chief John Kabatay Sr. of the Seine River First Nation; the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable Greg Rickford, Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs, announced the successful settlement of a tripartite agreement between the Seine River First Nation, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario, regarding the Seine River First Nation's Treaty 3 Flooding Claim. This settlement will provide the Seine River First Nation with $125.67 million in compensation, with Canada paying $64.95 million and Ontario paying $60.72 million.
The claim was filed in response to the construction of the Fort Frances-International Falls Dam across the Rainy River, which resulted in increased water levels flooding the Seine River First Nation's reserve land. The flooding continues to impact the reserve land to this day.
The significant socio-economic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada are the direct result of decades of colonial policies, which often led to the denial and dispossession of land. Ownership of land in Canada is closely linked to ownership of resources and economic benefit; for hundreds of years, settlers in Canada have benefited from the land to the detriment of Indigenous Peoples, who have suffered both culturally and economically.
The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario will continue to work alongside the Seine River First Nation to resolve historical grievances and renew our relationships for future generations to come.
