A remote Manitoba First Nation has stepped up to build an airport

The Wasagamack Anisininew Nation is one step closer to getting a new airport.

Leaders gathered at the Wasagamak First Nation on Thursday to confirm the provincial government's campaign promise to build an airport for the community.

About 2,500 people live on the Wasagamac First Nation, located 600 kilometers north of Winnipeg on Lake Aral. According to community leaders, the area is accessible only by winter road, boat or helicopter, and the nearest airport is 10 kilometers away by boat at St. Teresa's Point.

Wasagamack First Nation Chief Walter Harper said he was happy and excited to see the community's dream of an airport become a reality after what he described as “broken promises” for decades as elders and residents pushed for the airport.

“We are risking our lives…to get our stuff from the airport to our community. It's very expensive,” Harper said, adding that the new facility will help ease the physical and financial burdens of those living in the country.

WASAGAMAK AIRPORT ROAD MAP

Harper said he hopes to see the airport built in the next five years.

Construction of the access road is already underway, with $8 million in debt, according to a project roadmap laid out by community leaders. The value of the contract is USD 34,418,818.

The next phase includes the design of the airport, which will be implemented next year. Access to the site is expected in the fall of 2025.

The community said it hopes to complete construction by 2027.

The preliminary budget for the airport is set at $45 million, but depends on the length of the runway and the complexity of the terminal building.

SUPPORT OF PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT

In a statement, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) congratulated the Wasagamak First Nation on the announcement, calling it a “historic and life-changing achievement.”

“It's also a demonstration of the good we can achieve together when governments support First Nations-led projects that support First Nations' right to self-determination,” said AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick.

Manitoba has committed $8 million to the Wasagamac Airport development project, according to AMC. However, the provincial government is yet to release the details.

“When we get through the design phase, we can look at the actual numbers and what that means for each phase of the project,” Municipal and Northern Affairs Minister Ian Bushey told reporters on Friday.