THUNDER BAY – OPP are asking the public to display patience, noting on Monday that the southbound lane between Lake Helen First Nation and the Highway 17 junction is closed because of an ongoing protest.
The Red Rock Indian Band last week served notice it planned a peaceful demonstration on Monday to speak out against what it calls repeated indignities to ancestral remains.
The demonstration, announced last week, was to go ahead if federal, provincial and private representatives continue to hinder search efforts for ancestral remains in the area. Earlier this year, in May, human remains were found at the construction site of Parks Canada’s $37-million administration and visitor centre Nipigon.
The remains were late carbon dated and found to have come from the early 15th century.
OPP, in a release issued on Sunday, said their role is to help facilitate lawful, peaceful and safe events by working with all involved parties, the goal to de-escalate tensions and ensure demonstrations proceed peacefully and within legal boundaries.
The discussions led police to believe there could be traffic interruptions at the Nipigon River Bridge and northbound and southbound on Highway 11 between Lake Helen First Nation and the Highway 17 junction.
Police say they are working to ensure an orderly flow of traffic to reduce the impact to motorists in the area.