Indigenous leaders call for reset on flood project

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This article was published 13/06/2024 (484 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Indigenous leaders have applauded the federal environment minister’s conclusion that long-promised flood mitigation measures around Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin would come at a high environmental cost to First Nations.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault concluded earlier this month the $540-million Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels project — which would allow floodwater that’s been diverted from the Assiniboine River into Lake Manitoba, to flow through to Lake St. Martin and then to Lake Winnipeg — was “likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects” to Indigenous people.

In addition, construction of two 24-kilometre diversion channels could cause harm to their physical and cultural heritage, current use of land and resources for traditional purposes, and sites of historical and archeological significance.

The federal cabinet, which can determine the project is justified despite the negative effects, has yet to weigh in.

Manitoba Grand Chief Cathy Merrick said Thursday the Manitoba government must revisit the project.

“I call on the provincial government to seriously consider the devastating findings of the environmental assessment,” she said at a news conference with other Indigenous leaders.

“The findings are substantive and should not be dismissed or taken lightly as mere suggestions… these problems cause damages to the livelihood of our people. We are the protectors of the water, we are protectors of the land, we live off the land, the fisheries, and, ultimately, it impairs the ability of First Nations to express to the fullest extent their distinct inherent treaty rights,” said the grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

In 2011, a huge flood in the Assiniboine River watershed forced residents of an Interlake First Nation to evacuate their community. The floodwater was diverted into Lake Manitoba to protect communities downstream, especially Winnipeg.

More than 2,000 people were displaced along with 600 residents of the Lake St. Martin First Nation.

The two proposed channels, on either side of Lake St. Martin, were seen as the final piece of the province’s major floodworks, which started after the 1950 flood with construction of the Red River Floodway, followed by the Portage Diversion, Shellmouth Dam, and dikes throughout the Red River Valley.

The channel project was put on hold in April when the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada published a draft environmental assessment that said they would negatively affect the environment, including wildlife and fish habitat.

Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor said Thursday the federal environmental report reflects the concerns of First Nations.

“Our government is listening to the concerns raised by communities and we are pleased that the federal government is taking its time and consulting before making any final decisions on the environmental approvals of the Lake Manitoba/ Lake St. Martin Channels project.

“Flood mitigation remains a priority for our government, and it is important that communities have the opportunity to bring their ideas, concerns and needs to that conversation.”

Merrick said First Nation leaders want to meet directly with the provincial and federal governments about the project.

“We want to sit at that table when decisions are made and not in the back as previous governments have done to our people,” she said.

“These are First Nations lands and to truly reset the relationship between the province and the First Nations leadership there needs to be a true and genuine partnership with a real capacity for First Nations to make decisions regarding to their self-identified needs.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca