January 20, 2015
Manitoba Government Issues Apology Over Past Hydro Development
The government of Manitoba formally apologized today to all people and communities affected by past hydroelectric development including all Northern Flood Agreement (NFA) First Nations in a statement issued by Premier Greg Selinger in Cross Lake today.
“Many initiatives have been undertaken to address adverse effects of hydro development, and we recognize that reconciliation is an ongoing process,” said Premier Selinger.
“On behalf of the Manitoba government, I was pleased to issue a ministerial statement on December 15, 2000 regarding the Northern Flood Agreement as a modern day treaty,” Deputy Premier Eric Robinson, minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs and minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro said. “We committed then to working with the First Nations to address outstanding issues, and this apology is the next step in reconciliation.”
Today’s statement will also be raised with the leadership of the other four Northern Flood Agreement First Nations, Deputy Premier Robinson said.
“We also committed to working with First Nations on future developments. The Wuskwatim project was developed in partnership with Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation,” Deputy Premier Robinson said. “Similarly, the Keeyask Project is a collaborative effort among Manitoba Hydro and four Manitoba First Nations; Tataskweyak Cree Nation, York Factory First Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation and War Lake First Nation.”
“We continue to be committed to working with Aboriginal communities affected by our development and operations in a spirit of reconciliation,” said Scott Thomson, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro.
The deputy premier noted that in fulfillment of NFA obligations, a number of projects were undertaken at Cross Lake, including construction of the $28-million Kichi Sipi bridge, an intensive shoreline cleanup, the domestic fish program and a successful school lunch program. In addition, Hydro rates were equalized across the province and the University College of the North, with regional campuses at Cross Lake and Norway House and several other Northern First Nations, was established to serve the North.
“The apology statement released today builds upon the ministerial statement and a number of other important government actions since then. We acknowledge there is more work to be done with First Nations towards further reconciliation,” Deputy Premier Robinson said.
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