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News Release - Manitoba

February 18, 2015

Manitoba Government, Opaskwayak Cree Nation Renew Joint Management Agreement



THE PAS—The Manitoba government and Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) have signed a 20-year joint management agreement to ensure land-use and natural resource management in OCN’s traditional territory will continue to be a co-operative effort, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson announced here today.

“This agreement formalizes our commitment to continue to work with OCN leadership for decades to come,” said Minister Mackintosh.  “We want to ensure Indigenous people are involved in the decisions that affect their traditional land.”

The joint management agreement creates a framework for Manitoba and OCN to work together on issues like sustainable resource management and new development opportunities, as well as identifying shared roles and responsibilities.

“This agreement was born from the tireless work of the late conservation minister Oscar Lathlin, whose passion and commitment to working with the people of the north and First Nations communities will never be forgotten,” said Minister Robinson.  “This partnership ensures everyone with a stake in this important region is involved in the decisions that affect us all.”

“The 20-year joint management agreement strengthens OCN’s inherent ties to the land, giving recognition to the importance of working together with the Province of Manitoba,” said Chief Michael G. Constant, Opaskwayak Cree Nation.  “OCN is committed to the sustainable management of all natural resources in its traditional territories.”

The ministers noted the agreement also supports TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan, an
eight-year plan that supports environmental protection while ensuring a prosperous and environmentally conscious economy.

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