Iskatewizaagegan 39 Independent First Nation facts for kids

Shoal Lake 39 First Nation is a community of Ojibwe or Anishinaabe people. It is located on the northwestern shores of Shoal Lake in Ontario. The official name for this community is Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation.

About 585 people are registered members of this First Nation. Around 297 of them live on their own lands, called reserves. The community is led by a chief and a council. For example, Gerald Lewis was elected as Chief in March 2016.

Protecting Shoal Lake's Water

Shoal Lake 39 First Nation has worked hard to protect their home and water.

Water Quality Concerns

In 2008, the Chief of Shoal Lake 39 spoke about problems with their sewage treatment plant. This plant was built in 2000. However, it did not have running water to keep it clean. There was a risk that raw sewage could flow into Shoal Lake. This lake is where the city of Winnipeg gets its drinking water. Winnipeg has used this water for nearly 100 years.

Speaking Up for Rights

In 2009, Chief Mandamin and other community members protested. They stood on the Trans-Canada Highway near their reserve. They were upset about a highway project planned by the Ontario government.

They also shared their frustration about Winnipeg's water use. Winnipeg has been taking water from Shoal Lake for a long time. However, the city never made an agreement with Shoal Lake 39. This is different from the nearby Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. They reached an agreement with Winnipeg in 1989.

Water Rights and Compensation

In 2011, Iskatewizaagegan #39 First Nation raised concerns again. Winnipeg planned to sell water to other communities. This water comes from Shoal Lake, near the First Nation's lands.

The First Nation believes they should be paid for this water use. They have faced many difficulties over the years. For example, the lake's water levels are controlled for the aqueduct. This has caused problems for fishing and gathering wild rice. It also means they have less control over their land and water.

The leaders of Shoal Lake 39 have even said they might block the water supply to Winnipeg. This shows how serious the issue is to them. The neighboring Shoal Lake 40 First Nation said they would try to negotiate first.

Taking Legal Action

Iskatewizaagegan First Nation decided to take their concerns to court. In 2012, they filed a legal petition in Manitoba. They asked the court to stop Winnipeg from making new water agreements. This included an agreement with West St. Paul.

The First Nation wants the court to order Winnipeg to stop negotiations. They want Winnipeg to reach an agreement with them first. Shoal Lake 39 has always said that Winnipeg did not get their permission in 1919.

First Nation Lands

Shoal Lake 39 First Nation has four reserves. These are special lands set aside for the community.

• Agency 30: This reserve is shared with 12 other First Nations.
• Shoal Lake 34B2: This reserve is shared with Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.
• Shoal Lake 39: Part of this reserve is in Manitoba. It is located north of Shoal Lake.
• Shoal Lake 39A: This reserve is northwest of Lake of the Woods.