Originally published in The Winnipeg Sun on Feb 18, 2025, by Dave Baxter

A Manitoba First Nation chief wants to “set the record straight,” as concerns mount over a plan that would see more land environmentally protected in Manitoba and he’s also accusing the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) of spreading “misinformation” about the plan.

“We have been clear from the beginning: this is not about restricting access,” Fisher River Cree Nation (FRCN) Chief David Crate said in a letter that was sent to The Winnipeg Sun.

“Our intent has always been to work with our neighbours, including hunters, anglers, farmers, and cottagers, to determine the best way to sustain this region for the benefit of all.”

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) has been hosting engagement sessions in several communities in the Interlake recently, as the organization works to legally protect an increasing amount of Manitoba land from environmental harm.

In 2020, CPAWS, a charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and oceans, released a report that said a “minimum of 30% and up to 70%” of land in Canada and around the world should be protected by 2030 in order to sustain a “healthy planet.”

Since then, the organization has been advocating for legal environmental protection of lands in all Canadian provinces, while they have said they would ultimately like as much as half of Canada’s land protected.

In Manitoba, the CPAWS Manitoba Chapter has been working closely with officials from FRCN, as well as the Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation, and the Peguis First Nation.

But some Interlake residents and the MWF have been pushing back against the plan, as some worry about how it would restrict land access for homeowners, farmers, hunters, fishers and other rural residents.

Some have also questioned what happens to land once it is deemed protected and how much control will be exerted over protected land and by whom, and what people can and can’t do on land once it is considered protected.

“Licensed hunting, fishing, trapping, berry picking, and medicine gathering will not be affected by what we propose,” Crate said in his letter, pushing back against those concerns. “Private lands, farmland, and cottage properties will remain untouched by our initiative.”

He CPAWS was caught off guard by opposition to the plan coming from MWF, which is the province’s oldest and largest conservation organization, and which said in a recent statement they believe CPAWS goals would restrict access for licensed hunters and anglers.

“We are puzzled by the stance taken by the MWF, a conservation organization that should be aligned with our efforts to protect the land,” Crate said. “We met with them in November 2021 during the initial stakeholder meetings, and at that time, they raised no objections to our initiative.

“It is deeply concerning to see them now not only opposing this preliminary proposal but also spreading misinformation that creates unnecessary fear and division.”

Crate said the plan is to save land in the area from environmental degradation, but not taking control over more land or restricting usage for others.

“When I was growing up, the Fisher River was so clear you could see the pebbles on the riverbed,” Crate said. “The forests were full of moose and deer, and our boats returned with enough fish to support our community.

“Today, the picture is very different. Algae has overtaken Lake Winnipeg, our beach is eroded, and the river is no longer safe for swimming. Moose populations have dwindled, and many of the wetlands that once filtered water before it reached the lake have been lost.

He also fired back against accusations from some that the plan is too vague, saying they are in a very early stage and still creating the plan they hope to put in place.

“We don’t have a plan, we have an initial proposal for discussion,” Crate said. “We know all too well what it’s like to be included in a process after it’s too late to have meaningful input. At this early stage, we’re sharing a notional concept to get feedback.

“We understand that change can bring uncertainty. That is why we are committed to open dialogue and working with all stakeholders to ensure that the final proposal we develop benefits everyone.”

Crate is also encouraging MWF to continue discussion with First Nations communities and with CPAWS about the plan.

“We remain open to dialogue and encourage MWF to return to the table and engage in meaningful discussions about how we can work together to safeguard enough lands and waters for future generations,” Crate said.

“We need a comprehensive plan to ensure our grandchildren’s grandchildren can enjoy the beauty and abundance of this region.”

— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.