Treaty 2 Territory – In February of this year, oil tankers were being transported within Treaty 2 Territory derailed in the municipality of Ellice. Almost 800,000 litres spilled and is noted as one of the fourth largest spills in Canada’s history.
The First Nation Treaty 2 Territory (FNT2T) Government became involved where a common understanding was created that the clean-up required would occur in a respectful and meaningful manner through partnership and responsibility to clean up and preserve the land for future generations.
There is also water nearby (an oxbow dugout) about 150 meters away from the spill some did end up in the oxbow. CN engaged two FNT2T monitors to participate in the first part of the cleanup.
Only 70% was cleaned up at the time which took up to 3-4 weeks. CN was supposed to notify FNT2T when the final cleanup was to occur and did not to this day. FNT2T has not received a report regarding this clean up since March 2019.
It has come to the attention of the FNT2T Government through verbal discussions with the local farmer that CN removed oil from underneath the rail bed at the end of May and early June, 2019. To date there has been a lack of responses and providing requested documents such soil sampling and water testing results.
The FNT2T Government will be requesting immediately the provision of any and all reports we have not received to date through resolution 2019-08-07-004 moved by Chief Norman Bone, Keeseekoowenin First Nation and seconded by David Ledoux, Gambler First Nation.
The FNT2T Government requests an explanation from CN in regards to not providing reports to FNT2T and not be contacted to participate in the final clean up.
Last modified: August 10, 2019
