Hold the Crown Accountable: Iskatewizaagegan Independent First Nation Continues Pushing Water Litigation at Record Speed
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Posted by Shelby Percival
- Posted in BlogsNews
Between April and June 2026, there have been several significant developments in Iskatewizaagegan Independent First Nation’s litigation concerning the taking of water from Shoal Lake, including examinations of key community witnesses, a historic visit by the International Joint Commission to the community, and continued progress toward the completion of expert evidence. As the matter advances at an unprecedented pace, IIFN continues to press for accountability and timely resolution of longstanding issues affecting the community.
First, between April 20 and 24, 2026, Iskatewizaagegan Independent First Nation (“IIFN”) witnesses Chief Gerald Lewis, Knowledge Keeper Phyllis Pinesse, and Litigation Team Chair Rachel Green were examined by Canada, Ontario, and the City Winnipeg in the ongoing litigation concerning the taking of water from Shoal Lake.
Next, following months of correspondence, the International Joint Commission (“IJC”) visited IIFN on May 5, 2026. This was only the second time the IJC has visited Shoal Lake, and the first time visiting IIFN. IIFN welcomed IJC Commissioners Merrell-Ann Phare and Dr. Sue Chiblow and Legal Advisor Shane Zurbrigg, who attended IIFN to learn more about the impacts Winnipeg’s taking of Shoal Lake water has had and continues to have on the community. IIFN looks forward to a renewed relationship with the IJC.
Finally, on June 1, 2026, IIFN served the Addendum to its Historical Report on the Defendants. IIFN has continued to push the pace by advocating for stricter timelines as they relate to deadlines for Expert Reports and responses to undertakings.
Falconers LLP remains honoured to stand alongside IIFN in this important work and to support the community’s ongoing efforts to advance its claims, preserve its history and knowledge, and seek meaningful accountability for the impacts of the diversion of Shoal Lake water.
Related Documents:
- Endorsement of Justice Merritt – May 25, 2026
- Endorsement of Justice Merritt – January 16, 2026
- Decision of Justice Perell – April 12, 2024
- Second Fresh as Amended Statement of Claim – April 26, 2024
- Decision of Justice Perell – February 17, 2021
Related Website Postings:
- Iskatewizaagegan Independent First Nation Continues Questioning Of Ontario On Taking Of Water From Shoal Lake (Apr. 9, 2026)
- Shoal Lake Questions Canada for First Time on Taking of Water from Shoal Lake (Feb. 6, 2026)
- Iskatewizaagegan (Shoal Lake No. 39) Gets their Day in Court after Groundbreaking Ruling Orders Winnipeg and Ontario to Trial on Ontario’s “legislative sleight of hand” (Apr. 15, 2024)
- First Nation (Shoal Lake No. 39) Goes to Court Over Winnipeg and Ontario’s Dishonourable Dealings around the Taking of Water (Mar. 25, 2024)
- Ontario Not Appealing Decision Dismissing Its Bid to Duck Shoal Lake Court Case (Mar. 15, 2021)
