February 4, 2026
Manitoba Government Meets with Indigenous Leaders in Thompson to Discuss Churchill Plus, Capping Off Trip to Manitoba's North
– – –Manitoba Crown Indigenous Corporation Will Help Ensure Indigenous Nations See Benefits from Major Projects: Kinew
Premier Wab Kinew, joined by Manitoba Northern Relations and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie and federal Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand, met with northern First Nations and Métis leaders in Thompson today to discuss the Manitoba Crown Indigenous Corporation (MCIC) and the Churchill Plus project, which has been referred to the federal government’s Major Projects Office.
“This trip was about listening and building relationships,” said Kinew. “In Churchill, we heard directly from the community about the Churchill Plus project. In Thompson, we’re continuing those conversations with First Nations and Métis leaders about how MCIC can help create real economic growth opportunities in the north with good jobs, strong communities and a true government-to-government partnership.”
The premier and ministers held a northern First Nations roundtable that brought together Indigenous leaders from across the north, including representatives from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO). They also met with Manitoba Métis Federation vice-president Julyda Lagimodière. Thompson region.
“It was a pleasure to see Premier Kinew, Minister Bushie and federal Minister Rebecca Chartrand in person in Thompson as part of their northern Manitoba tour and to discuss Red River Métis participation in ongoing northern developments, including the Churchill Plus project,” said Lagimodière. “The Red River Métis will play a vital role in contributing to the opportunities for northern resupply, export development and national defence, including strengthening Arctic sovereignty and security. We look forward to working with our First Nations relatives, the Manitoba government and the Government of Canada to make the Churchill Plus project a success.”
The meetings capped off a two-day northern trip focused on listening to communities and building partnerships as the Churchill Plus project advances. Earlier in the trip, the premier visited Churchill to meet with community members and tourism operators. During that visit, the Manitoba government also announced funding to explore the establishment of a national marine conservation area in partnership with the federal government and Oceans North.
“In the north, the strength of our First Nations has always endured, rooted in our connection to the land and in traditions passed down through generations,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee, MKO. “As new economic opportunities emerge, our rights must remain at the forefront and the land that has carried us for a thousand years must continue to sustain us for generations to come.”
The Manitoba government continues to engage with northern communities and Indigenous nations as work moves forward on Churchill Plus and other economic development projects across the north.
- 30 -