SLATE FALLS NATION, ON — A community celebration was scheduled for Tuesday to mark the official government declaration that land has been set aside for Slate Falls Nation, about 150 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout.
According to a news release from Nishnawbe Aski Nation, under a federal order-in-council issued in December, Slate Falls Nation now has reserve status.
NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler extended congratulations to the remote Ojibway community in a statement.
"We are pleased to congratulate Chief (Lorraine) Crane and her Council for their determination to reclaim their home over nearly three decades of advocacy and negotiations," Fiddler said.
He said achieving reserve status took "a tremendous amount of work" by community leaders, various organizations and government officials. We acknowledge the efforts and persistence of everyone who assisted."
Being designated a reserve will allow Slate Falls Nation to develop infrastructure and economic opportunities.
About a year ago, the community of approximately 200 residents celebrated the opening of a new water treatment plant, part of a nearly-$12 million project to provide safe drinking water and firefighting infrastructure.
Slate Falls Nation was recognized in 1985 as the Slate Falls Band #259 under the Indian Act.
