Earlier this week, the Alderville Band Council made a landmark decision. It may be one of the most significant in its history. A resolution was passed giving legal personhood to Rice Lake. This makes it only the second such declaration in Canada and a rarity worldwide.
This decision is the first step in a three-part process that will give Rice Lake this unusual status. The Magpie River in Quebec is the only other body of water in Canada with this unique protection.
The impact will be huge, affecting all three levels of government, property and business owners, and tourists visiting Rice Lake.
Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson is on the show today to explain in detail what this will mean. He says there may be a few changes to the current laws, rules, and regulations. What will change is the level of enforcement and the protection the lake receives to stop pollution, degradation, harm to wildlife, and damage to fishing stocks.
Listen carefully as he maps out how it will work and what he sees as the benefits to everyone.
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