Shoal Lake

Shoal Lake 40 Freedom Road

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Churches for Freedom Road is an affiliation of churches willing to demonstrate public support for the building of a 17 mile road from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation to the Trans-Canada Highway, thus ending their 100 year enforced isolation and making it possible for them to build a water treatment plant to end an 18 year boil-water advisory.

The building of the road needs the joint co-operation of three levels of government (Federal, Provincial and Civic). The Federal and Provincial Governments are preparing to have either funds or bankable commitments ready for when the road’s detailed design is complete in January, but the City of Winnipeg has yet to show initiative to commit.

Steve Bell has set up a new petition to apply “polite pressure” on the City to move forward on their previous commitment, and we’re inviting you to consider signing the petition.  This demonstrates strong public will to end what has been a century-long nightmare for our neighbours at Shoal Lake 40. This is not an acrimonious petition, rather a simple demonstration of support for fair relations between Winnipeg and Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.

Please follow the link to sign the petition: www.buildfreedomroad.com

We Support Freedom Road

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“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” ~ Isaiah 41.17

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A group standing on the temporary bridge which connects the mainland to the cut-off peninsula. This is a winter road, which needs to become an all weather “Freedom Road”.

Ever wondered where our water comes from when you turn on the tap?  It turns out, that all our water in Winnipeg comes from Shoal lake – about 80 km to the east on the Manitoba – Ontario border.  This lake is on Shoal Lake 40 First Nation territory.  When the aqueduct connecting this lake to Winnipeg was built about 100 years ago (the same aqueduct which runs right next to our farm in Haddashville), some of their territory was expropriated and they were moved onto a peninsula on the lake.  There was no consultation – the bulldozers just showed up.  Shortly afterwards, a channel was cut through that peninsula to divert dirty water from Falcon lake away from the intake.  This effectively cut off all access to the Shoal Lake 40 community.  They have no all-weather road to access their community even though they are fairly close to the Trans-Canada highway.  The ferry is unreliable and crossing the lake at freeze-up or break-up is dangerous and has resulted in fatalities.  To top it off, they have been under a boil water advisory for over 15 years.  Many things are wrong with this picture – and we want to stand with our neighbours to promote justice in this area.  We are connected to them – they are our neighbours – we have a voice we can use.  That’s why we are part of a network of churches who are responding to a direct request from the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, to stand with them.  That’s also why we put the sign up in our window on Main St.

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Shoal Lake seen from the ferry.

For more info on the “Churches for Freedom Road” campaign, as well as to find out what you can do, go here.

Here is a short video showing and describing our sign.

Andy visited last Fall and the School of Justice is planning on going this winter.  If you’re interested in joining them on this trip, please contact Suhail.