Equipment shed upsets native band

Aug 10, 2006
Canadian Press - Print in Globe & Mail

SACHIGO LAKE FIRST NATION, Ont. — A remote northwestern Ontario native community is evicting a Ministry of Natural Resources water monitoring station.

The equipment shed, which measures just under four cubic metres, is located on territory claimed by the community.

Ministry spokesman Bob David says it was built in partnership with Environment Canada in an attempt to help predict both flooding and drought conditions.

But Chief Alvin Beardy says the Sachigo Lake First Nation wasn't properly consulted and they want it removed by the end of the week.

Mr. David noted it would be difficult for the installers to remove the equipment before Aug. 21, since they are on holidays.

However, Mr. Beardy said he couldn't guarantee the safety of the facility until then.

Sachigo Lake is a fly-in community with 732 residents, located more than 500 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay near the Ontario-Manitoba border.