THUNDER BAY – Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services has congratulated Chief Lorraine Crane as they celebrate the creation of the Slate Falls Nation Reserve. “I recall the day I signed the Nishnawbe-Aski Nations Agreement in 1991 that set this reserve creation in motion. It has been a long process but I – we never gave up. I also want to acknowledge all past and present leadership who played a role in seeing this through – it’s truly a great day for the Slate Falls Nation” says Chief Lorraine Crane, Slate Falls Nation.
A federal Order in Council, signed on December 14, 2018, set apart 6,599.176 hectares (16,306.919 acres) of land, including the mines and minerals for the use and benefit of Slate Falls Nation under Canada’s Additions to Reserves/New Reserves Policy. With the creation of the reserve, Slate Falls Nation can pursue its vision for its members and further develop economic opportunities.
Slate Falls Nation was once part of Mishkeegogamang First Nation and established themselves in the vicinity of Bamaji Lake in the 1930s. In 1985, Slate Falls Nation was recognized as a separate band under the Indian Act. In 1991, Canada pursuant to the Six Nishnawbe-Aski Nations Agreement with Ontario and Keewaywin, Wawakapewin, Saugeen, McDowell Lake, Aroland and Slate Falls Nations, committed to creating reserves for each First Nation.
“Congratulations to Chief Lorraine Crane and the community of Slate Falls Nation on this historic day. Future generations will benefit from the hard work of everyone who helped to make the Slate Falls Nation reserve a reality. Our government is proud to support you,” states Seamus O’Regan, P.C., M.P. Minister of Indigenous Services
Quick facts
- Slate Falls Nation is an Ojibwe First Nation. The community is located approximately 120 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout and is accessible by plane and an all-season road.
- In 2018, Slate Falls Nation, by Band Council Resolution, requested the land be set apart as reserve.
