August 17, 2022
Joint Statement from Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk
Our government is continuing its engagement process on the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels project, which will protect lives and property from devastating impacts of future flooding.
We were honoured to meet with the Chiefs of the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) communities in Pinaymootang First Nation today as part of our ongoing community-specific engagement activities. We acknowledge that we have fallen short in our responsibilities to collaborate fully in the true spirit and intent of reconciliation, and we deeply appreciate this opportunity to hear directly from Indigenous leadership and listen to their concerns.
Today’s conversations serve as an important step in the path forward for engagement based on honesty, trust and respect. These collaborative efforts are critical to strengthening our relationship with Indigenous communities, as well as ensuring the success of this historic project that will improve flood protection and increase resilience against climate change.
Our government acknowledges there is much work to do in terms of advancing truth and reconciliation. We have been working diligently through the environmental assessment process, recognizing the importance of water, land and resources, and are working to ensure the outlet channels project is aligned with traditional knowledge and Indigenous understanding of the area.
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