Hydro board members visit First Nation communities to discuss damage from past developments

Members of the Manitoba Hydro board visited Misipawistik Cree Nation and Chemawawin Cree Nation last week to learn more about the impacts of the Grand Rapids Generating Station and strengthen relationships with communities affected by hydroelectric development.

The two-day visit included spending time at culturally significant sites and discussions with leadership and community members, and a tour of generating stations and Grand Rapids fish hatchery, a Manitoba Hydro news release said.

The visit is part of Manitoba Hydro’s ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities affected by hydroelectric development, the release said. In 2024, the Manitoba Hydro board visited Gillam and met with First Nations that partner in the Keeyask Generating Station.

Last week’s visit to Misipawistik and Chemawawin came just weeks after the Federal Court on Sept. 3 ordered Ottawa pay Opaskwayak Cree Nation $27 million over damages suffered due to the construction of the Grand Rapids hydro dam in the 1960s.

“It’s important the board connects with communities impacted by our developments,” Hydro board chairman Jamie Wilson said in the news release. “In the case of Grand Rapids, building the generating station in the 1960s significantly damaged nearby First Nations communities. Reading reports and receiving briefings is important, but visiting in person, hearing directly from those affected and gaining a deeper understanding of that history is invaluable,” he said.

The Grand Rapids Generating Station was constructed between 1960 and 1968 on the Saskatchewan River. The project flooded more than 1,100 square kilometres of habitat, reserve lands and traditional areas used by local communities. The resulting environmental and social impacts disrupted traditional land use, livelihoods and cultural practices.

“As far as I remember, it’s the first time the Hydro board’s been here to visit us, so we really appreciate it,” Chief Clarence Easter of Chemawawin Cree Nation said in the release. “It was especially meaningful to witness board members stopping to talk and listen to our community members – it means a lot to them.”

Chief Heidi Cook of Misipawistik Cree Nation said, “Everything changed when Hydro came to town in the 1960s… but I’m optimistic that we can build a better relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. That relationship really starts with visits like these.”

Manitoba Hydro said it has reached settlement agreements with regional communities, resource user groups and the Manitoba Métis Federation. The utility continues to work with local communities on mitigation measures, environmental monitoring and community-based programming in the project area.