Agency One First Nations Rights Over Their Territory Affirmed – OKT Law

In a resounding victory, on June 17, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court ruled in favour of Naicatchwenin First Nation, Nigigoonsiminikaanmng First Nation, Couchiching First Nation, and Mitaanjigamiing First Nation (the “Agency One First Nations”) – in their long legal battle with the Town of Fort Frances (the “Town”) over ownership of former Agency One First Nations’ reserve lands.

OKT is proud to have represented the Agency One First Nations in this dispute.

The land at issue contained what is now known as “Point Park” at the mouth of the Rainy River. In 1908, the Agency One First Nations surrendered a part of their jointly held reserve in this location to Canada for sale to settlers.  The land was never sold. Instead, Canada leased a portion of the land to the Town for 99 years for the purposes of a municipal park. At the end of the lease period, the Town asserted that despite signing a lease for the land, it actually owned Point Park and the surrendered lands.

Read More: https://www.oktlaw.com/agency-one-first-nations-rights-over-their-territory-affirmed/