An Ontario Superior Court Judge has dismissed motions from the federal government and the city of Kenora regarding a land claim issue connected to Anicinabe Park.
Kenora and Canada wanted the land claim dismissed.
Three First Nations behind the land claim applaud the ruling.
“The case is not about excluding anyone from the park,” says Wauzhushk Onigum Chief Chris Skead in a statement.
“It’s about correcting a historic injustice, a blight on Kenora’s history and doing what’s right.”
Kenora acquired the land in 1959.
The First Nations argue it was intended as reserve land and was illegally taken away and sold by the federal government.
They now hope the city will end its fight over the land.
“The city is at a cross-road,” indicates Niisaachewan Anishaabe Nation Chief Lorraine Cobiness.
“It can continue using tax-payer dollars to continue to fight us in court, or it can work with us, to advance reconciliation.”
The city has not yet responded publicly to the ruling.
