FORT FRANCES – A landmark court ruling has confirmed that the Town of Fort Frances does not hold ownership over lands within the Agency One Reserve, delivering a decisive win for the four Agency One First Nations—Couchiching, Mitaanjigamiing, Naicatchewenin, and Nigigoonsiminikaaning.
The ruling, issued on June 17, 2025, brings closure to a decades-long legal battle over lands surrounding Point Park, an area of cultural and historical significance to the First Nations involved. The court decision affirms that the Town’s claims to the contested lands lack legal basis and upholds the rights of Indigenous communities to govern and protect their traditional territory.
“This is not a moment for triumph, it is a moment for clarity,” said the Chiefs and Councils of the Agency One First Nations in a joint statement. “This decision reaffirms what our Elders, leaders, and communities have always known—that the promises made to our people cannot be overridden by convenience or assumptions of entitlement.”
The verdict marks the end of a prolonged legal conflict initiated by the Town of Fort Frances, which had sought a court declaration asserting its ownership of portions of Point Park. That claim has now been formally dismissed.
“We recognize that the people of Fort Frances have a longstanding relationship with Point Park. We do not deny the shared history. But we must be clear: future use of these lands must be rooted in mutual respect and a renewed relationship based on recognition of our jurisdiction and rights,” the Chiefs continued.
Agency One First Nations emphasized their commitment to collaborative progress, urging all levels of government to acknowledge the verdict and to work in partnership with Indigenous leadership going forward.
Background and Legal Context:
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The lands in question were originally surrendered in 1908, but Agency One First Nations assert they were never lawfully sold.
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Litigation surrounding these lands dates back to 1998 and involved not only the Town of Fort Frances but also the federal and provincial governments.
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The recent court decision confirms the lands remain under the jurisdiction of the First Nations and must not be treated as municipal property.
Looking Forward:
The First Nations of Agency One reiterated their desire to move ahead with a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship, shared community wellbeing, and the respectful co-management of the lands.
“The harm of past decisions, made without our consent, must not be repeated. Our Nations remain committed to building a future grounded in respectful dialogue and mutual recognition,” the statement concluded.
This verdict stands as a significant affirmation of Indigenous land rights and highlights the ongoing necessity of upholding treaty promises in the modern era.
