By Justin Brake and Ashley Brandson Originally published on September 18th, 2018 in APTN News Rays of sunlight peek through the trees and illuminate two dozen wooden crosses hidden in a small patch of bush surrounded by the desolate rocky landscape of an abandoned quarry. Gerald McKay of Misipawistik Cree Nation examines a necklace someone has appended to a tree. He holds the cross p
The cross-examination portion of the National Energy Board (NEB) hearings came to a close last Friday, the 22nd of June, at the Delta Hotel in Winnipeg. Legal representatives of Indigenous First Nations stood before the NEB to question Manitoba Hydro on the construction and consultation process of the Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project (MMTP). Pursuant to First Nations’ concerns in relat
By Jack Lovell I had the opportunity during the 2016 Annual Spring Gathering in Brokenhead Ojibway Nation to engage with Chief Gordon Bighetty Jr. of the Pickerel Narrows First Nation, a traditional Cree community currently based in Leaf Rapids, Manitoba. Like many Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba, their story shares a common but tragic theme of a people under pressure to survive as
The importance of language, Anishinaabe law, and the water came together at this year’s Anishinaabe Nibi (Water) gathering. The theme for the gathering was Nibi Nagamonan - Water Songs. Each day began with a water ceremony and teachings at the teaching lodge, then proceeding to afternoon workshops in various formats. There was a lot to do and even more to learn! The teaching lodge was host to
From May 15th-May 17th, community members, researchers and NGO's met in Thompson for the annual Spring Gathering. This year we gathered as a group for large discussions at the Friendship Centre, where key priorities were discussed and stories were shared amongst one another. We also had presentations from Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective, and Sylvia McAdam, co founder of the Idle no More moveme
Formed in early January 2018, the RCEA & AFP Working Committee have been working hard to bring attention to the inadequacies of both the Regional Cumulative Effects Assessment and the Augmented Flow Program and calling for the rejection of both. This letter to the Province of Manitoba is one action in a series of actions we are undertaking to make Manitoba Hydro accountable to hydro-impacted c
Dispelling the Myths of Hydro in Manitoba On World Water Day, March 22nd, we wanted to challenge the notion that hydropower is clean and green. It was a chance to walk in solidarity with and support of hydro-impacted communities across Manitoba. It was also an opportunity for Winnipeggers to hear directly from Indigenous people living in these impacted communities and learn. The event be
By Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition (originally published on MEJC’s website on March 22nd, 2018) On March 21st 2018, there was a mass resignation of the Manitoba Hydro board citing an inability "to have a meaningful dialogue... despite repeated attempts” with the Pallister government and challenges related to the finances and governance of Manitoba Hydro including its attempts to rectify
A poem by Lysette Neckoway Follow the bi-poles down highway 6 This is how I remember The way home To the front step Of Kitanaskotapanimosoms fishing camp Where he raised his children A trail to my community Nisichawayshik Where they meet Those three rivers Where whisahkijacks footprints remain Desecrated on our lands Where he once sat Flooded Ben