Interlake First Nations Remove Roadblock to Assert Treaty Rights in Manitoba
Interlake First Nations bulldoze provincial roadblock over treaty right infringement
Ctv News
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On Friday, several First Nations in Manitoba, led by the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council, removed a rock pile blocking the Lake St. Martin Access Road. The action was taken to restore access to traditional hunting grounds, which they claim is a violation of their treaty rights. Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor stated the roadblock was part of an environmental protection measure, but the government is reconsidering its approach following feedback from the First Nations.
- 01The rock pile blocking the Lake St. Martin Access Road was discovered by the First Nations only a week before the removal.
- 02The road is crucial for accessing hunting grounds and was previously designated for upgrades to an all-season road.
- 03Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor indicated that the gate was intended to limit environmental impacts but is now being reconsidered.
- 04Interlake Reserves Tribal Council executive director Karl Zadnik emphasized the need for accountability from the provincial government regarding treaty rights.
- 05A meeting is scheduled with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Minister Naylor on June 9 to discuss ongoing concerns.
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On Friday, members of the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council in Manitoba took action to restore access to their traditional territories by removing a rock pile that had blocked the Lake St. Martin Access Road. Chief Lawrence Letandre of the Dauphin River First Nation expressed surprise at the blockade, which he stated infringed on their treaty rights to hunt in the area. A 2019 environmental assessment proposed upgrading the road, which is currently a gravel path. Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor explained that the gate was installed to limit environmental impacts due to increased access, but acknowledged that the government is reconsidering this decision based on feedback from the First Nations. Karl Zadnik, executive director of the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council, highlighted the need for accountability from the province, noting past commitments to not restrict access to these important lands. He stated that First Nations leadership is open to collaboration and has a meeting scheduled with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Minister Naylor on June 9 to discuss these issues further.
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The removal of the roadblock restores access to traditional hunting grounds for the First Nations, affirming their treaty rights and promoting better communication with the provincial government.
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