Alderville First Nation Resolution: Rights of Rice Lake

Summary

On November 18, 2025, the Alderville First Nation Council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the legal status of Lake Rice. The process took 2 years and brought together the council, elders, and knowledge keepers, who reviewed and approved the declaration. First Nation Chief, Taynar Simpson, stated that the resolution marks a pivotal moment for his nation, which has lived around the lake for some 10,000 years. The decision is based on the historical relationship between the community and Rice Lake, which has provided for its livelihood on its territory.

The Alderville First Nation is an Ojibway First Nation (also known as Anishinaabe) located on the south side of Rice Lake in southern Ontario. The First Nation’s relationship with the lake is a fundamental pillar of its existence and sustainability. The lake provides essential element for life to the community, particularly their relationship with manoomin (wild rice) which is a critical food source that allows this nation to survive on its lands during the difficult winter seasons and when other food sources are scarce. The lake currently faces serious issues of overfishing and pollution.

Jurisprudential Framing:
“This resolution is part of the mino bimaadiziwin, which is our way of living life, in a positive way, and other nations around the world have similar concepts.” (Chief Simpson). The concept is similar to Buen Vivir / sumak kawsay (Quechua) which emphasize a life in harmony with nature and the community, seeking balance and fulfillment for all its members. A guardian council will be established to be the representative and voice of the lake, comprised of “townships, municipalities, conservation groups, anglers, hunters, harvesters – anyone that has a say in Rice Lake will have a seat at that guardians council.”

Rice Lake is the first body of water to be granted legal personhood in Ontario. In 2021, Quebec’s Magpie River set the precedent in Canada when it was granted legal personhood.

Next Steps:
Chief Taynar Simpson has noted there are several next steps and legal costs on the horizon, including amending the Alderville First Nation’s constitution to include the rights of nature and conducting scientific work and surveys on the lake’s condition. When asked how long he expects achieving personhood status will take, the chief said he hopes the process is completed in less than five years. The project is a volunteer-driven effort and a grassroots movement, it is not a formal part of the work of the Chief of Alderville First Nation. The International Observatory for the Rights of Nature, based in Canada, supported Alderville in drafting the resolution.

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