CN Rail has had a lawsuit filed against them for alleged damages in two separate oil train derailments near Gogama.
The lawsuit was filed by the Mattagami First Nation who are claiming the damage from the spills happened right in the centre of their territory.
Back in February of 2015 was when the first derailment took place. 29 cars spilled about 1.7 million litres of oil about 45 kilometers northwest of Gogama.
The second incident took place a month later in March when 94 tankers derailed just west of Gogama spilling 2.6 million litres of oil.
Chief Chad Boissoneau says the First Nation community has harvested, hunted, fished and shared traditional knowledge in the area for many years and now it’s covered in oil and the animals are contaminated.
The lawsuit is seeking $30 million in damage for the harm caused to the Aboriginal and treaty rights to use the land.
A CN Rail spokesperson said at this time they are declining to comment on the scenario.
(Written By: Mackenzie Read)
