MEDIAL RELEASE
October 11, 2022
TREATY 1 TERRITORY – INTERLAKE RESERVES TRIBAL COUNCIL
Interlake Reserves Tribal Council is dismayed and disappointed with the recent Provincial government announcements on the Environmental Advisory Committee and the $15.9 million dollars economic development fund to assist affected communities. In a true spirit of reconciliation, the province continues to disregard our Treaty rights, traditional lands and our modern day capacities to be true partners in this Lake St Martin/Lake Manitoba Outlet channel. IRTC maintains the Province continues to prescribe and dictate to our communities what reconciliation looks like rather than listening to our communities and acting upon their advice.
“These announcements are a slap in the face, as when they met with us it seemed the Province was willing to work with us and develop a meaningful pathway forward with inclusion of our requests and items of importance, however we now understand these are meaningless words and their inaction continue to motivate this Provincial government. $15.9 million compared to a $500 million dollar project is less than crumbs compared to what we’ve been promised. This is not reconciliation this is dictatorship at its finest.” Says Chairman Cornell McLean of IRTC.
IRTC has continually met with government officials through a series of ongoing meetings to discuss the challenges and needs of the communities to ensure adverse effects and site of cultural heritage and importance are respected and acted upon favorably for the communities. However, IRTC maintains that the Province is not acting in good faith when expected to be accountable and transparent in the consultation process.
“When our communities meet with the Province and continue to provide feedback of what’s important to us and our livelihoods, we expect the government to listen and also accommodate these requests. There are two important sites at each of the mouths of these channels; in Lake Manitoba, there is a traditional burial ground with cultural archaeology importance; and on the other side in Lake Winnipeg there is a traditional fishing site where lake sturgeon spawn. We need a realignment of both these channels, and the commitment to undertake a redesign immediately. “ says Chief Executive Officer, Karl Zadnik of IRTC.
Interlake Reserves Tribal Council , the Province will do the right thing and redesign and further enhance both of these announcements with a procurement strategy and realignment of these channels.
For media enquiries please contact Karl Zadnik, CEO of IRTC [email protected]
Interlake Reserves Tribal Council is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Time: Oct 12, 2022 11:00 AM Winnipeg
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81494241140 Meeting ID: 814 9424 1140
Passcode: 247397
