July 26, 2024 — 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.