January 19, 2024
(press release)
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Winnipeg: January 18, 2024: Today the Seal River Watershed Alliance, the Sayisi Dene First Nation, Northlands Dene Nation, Barren Lands First Nation, and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, the Manitoba Government, and the Government of Canada took a major step toward protecting the watershed. Representatives signed a memorandum of understanding that includes conducting a feasibility study for the Indigenous Protected Area and an interim land withdrawal from mining claims while the study is underway. --Councilor Kelly-Ann Thom-Duck, Sayisi Dene First Nation said: “We want to protect the land for not just for the First Nations but for all Manitobans, and for all Canadians. There are not many places left in the world that are pristine as the watershed. Other places have been mined or dammed or seen their wildlife disturbed. But in the Seal River Watershed, there are no permanent roads, mines, or hydro. Instead, we have clean water, moose, fish, medicines, and most important, we have the caribou. This is what we want to protect for the future.” --Chief Michael Sewap, Barren Lands First Nation “Our four First Nations are proud to be leading the biggest land-based protected area in Canada. And we are proud to work with our partners in the Manitoba Government and Government of Canada to create something that’s good for all of us. Today we celebrate what we have achieved together. And most importantly, we give thanks to the land that has taken care of us, and that we take care of in return.” -- Chief Simon Denechezhe, Northlands Denesuline First Nation “Today we are making history, and we are preserving it too. Our four Nations want to protect the Seal River Watershed because our ancestral heritage and our traditional practices are encompassed in the land. Our history book is on the land. If the land isn’t preserved, future generations wouldn’t have the opportunity to practice their cultures. We want to hold on to what is meaningful to us, to who we are. That is the spirit of the Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected Area.” --Chief Shirley Ducharme, O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation “Today is a day to celebrate. We are taking big strides in the journey to protect the Seal River Watershed. We welcome the collaboration with the Manitoba Government and Government of Canada, because we know this Nation-to-Nation-Nation approach benefits all of us. The Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected Area will help our communities heal, create land jobs for land people, and help Manitoba and Canada meet reconciliation and conservation goals. And most of all, we are showing our youth that even though we come from small communities, we can do big things.” --Stephanie Thorassie, Executive Director of the Seal River Watershed Alliance
SRWA partners made the following statements:
“The agreement we are signing today is a milestone for all of us, but it is especially important for the Sayisi Dene First Nation. Our community still feels the impact of relocation and residential schools. But now we are demonstrating leadership and protecting the watershed for the future. This is a huge step in our healing process.”
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