Addresses key issues in Manitoba First Nations' Provincial Forestry Plan

Three Manitoba First Nations are calling on the provincial government to abandon its forest management plan for the Duck Mountain and Shittle Hills region.

On Wednesday, the Minegoziibe Anishinabe, Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation (WSFN) and Sapotaweyak Cree Nation (SCN) issued a statement saying the government must take action to protect their land and Treaty rights.

According to the statement, the province has allowed a US-based logging company to harvest timber on First Nation lands without an approved forest management plan for nearly two decades. This commercial logging takes place in Duck Mountain Provincial Park as well as the Kettle Killing Area.

Now the province is going to approve a 20-year forest management plan. However, First Nations research says the plan is flawed.

“In 2012, Manitoba agreed to consider alternative logging methods to protect moose habitat,” said Minegozibe Anishinabe Chief Derek Nepinak.

“More than 12 years later, Manitoba still doesn't have a viable plan. This failure will negatively impact our ability to bring traditional healthy foods to our families.”

The three First Nations say problems with the plan have been known for years, as a 2022 task force was created in response to their forestry concerns.

Through this task force, First Nations engaged a number of experts to determine the impact of the plan and current logging practices. According to First Nations, experts found the plan was based on “poor methodology, inadequate baseline information and flawed assumptions.”

These communities are now asking the province to address gaps in its forest management plan, establish measures to protect Treaty rights and ensure First Nations are involved in decision-making before allowing further forestry operations on their land.

“The days of Manitoba putting the interests of companies before the rights of First Nations must now come to an end,” said Chief Nelson Henail of the Sapotawaik Cree Nation.

“It's time for Manitoba to do the right thing. It means strengthening and protecting our lands and our Treaty rights.”

CTV News Winnipeg has reached out to the Manitoba government for comment.