Local

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

First Nations blame feds for host of flooding woes

By: Alexandra Paul

Posted: 04/30/2011 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Bill Traverse leads protesters in front of federal government offices in Winnipeg Friday to denounce the flood response. (WAYNE.GLOWACKI@FREEPRESS.MB.CA )

Flood Fight

Flood Fight

The latest news about flooding in southern Manitoba this spring.
Interactive Map

Points of interest in Manitoba's flood fight
Compare floods

Compare today's river level in Winnipeg with levels during the 1950, 1997 and 2009 floods.

Enlarge Image

Terry Nelson (right), Glen Hudson (WAYNE.GLOWACKI@FREEPRESS.MB.CA )

PEGUIS and Roseau River First Nations chiefs led 100 protesters through downtown Winnipeg on Friday to draw attention to what they claim is government neglect responsible for mounting flood damage on their lands.

"The reason we're here is we don't get treated the same way as non-First Nations when it comes to flood protection," Peguis Chief Glenn Hudson said.

Some 681 members of the Interlake First Nation are staying in Winnipeg hotels after homes and roads were flooded this month. Most Manitoba flood evacuees this spring are from First Nations.

"Our community at Peguis has flooded six times in the last three years... We need long-term flood protection. Our people are tired of being flooded out," Hudson said.

Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation had 800 people flee the community, a decision that federal officials reversed this week when they ordered most to go back home.

Roseau Chief Terry Nelson said the evacuation was taken as a precaution over safety concerns with road access and the community's ring dike.

And he warned other leaders that federal flood cash advances -- $10 million to 14 First Nations so far -- can come at a cost. "We've had the most experience with that as a First Nation in Manitoba so unless you have a team of accountants to account for every receipt, they're going to get you to pay it back," he said.

He said the federal government reversed the evacuation order because it didn't want to pay hotel bills forevacuees.

"There are 1,500 people staying in this city, who have been evacuated," Nelson said when the protest gathered in front of the Hargrave Street offices of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Protesters carried placards that criticized the federal flood response as too little, too late.

Cecil James and his sister Cheryl James from Roseau said they're organizing a fundraiser for Roseau evacuees at the Marlborough Hotel Sunday afternoon. They said entertainers donating their time include comedian Don Burnstick and Manitoba musicians Don Amero and Sierra Noble.

Protesters identified themselves from Interlake and east side Lake Winnipeg First Nations, in addition to Peguis and Roseau.

"I'm here to support our First Nation neighbours because they supported us when we had a protest two weeks ago," Lake St. Martin band member Bill Traverse said.

Lake St. Martin is an Interlake First Nation with health and housing problems from years of overland flooding, which their leaders blame on provincial water diversions.

The province promised a study to examine those impacts earlier this month.

The protesters marched to the legislature on Broadway where the focus shifted to building up support for self-government.

"We're going to build our own houses, we're going to build our own economy," the Roseau River chief said. "We don't have to ask permission. Nobody is going to stop us."

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 30, 2011 A13

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Local

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.