Gull Bay chief seeks to resolve 100-year-old settlement

Members of Kiashke Zaaging Anishnaabek are considering a new settlement from the Ontario Power Generation this week.
Nearly 100 years ago, the OPG built power dams on Lake Nipigon which caused flooding and extreme damage to Gull Bay’s territory. Later, in 1940, extreme flooding and damage was done once again when the Ogoki River was diverted.
Due to damage, burial grounds were washed away and nearly 200 feet of shoreline eroded into Lake Nipigon.
In 2010, during Chief Wilfred King’s last term as chief, the OPG offered Gull Bay First Nation a settlement of $10 million. That offer was refused.
Chief Wilfred King is working, once again, to create a negotiation between the OPG and the community.
Meetings in both Gull Bay and Thunder Bay were held on the 14 and 15, respectively, to discuss the new offer. Kiashke Zaaging Anishnaabek members had the opportunity to vote on whether the community would accept or decline the current settlement offer.
The amount of the offer has only been disclosed to Gull Bay First Nation members.
If accepted, the issue could be resolved by late September. The settlement would include an official apology from the OPG.