The Cross Lake First Nation has chosen to advance their rights, as contained under the Northern Flood Agreement, and have the option of arbitrating claims under the Northern Flood Agreement, or negotiating the satisfactory implementation of their claims with Manitoba Hydro, the Government of Manitoba, and the Government of Canada.

Why did Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) sign a 1992 Implementation Agreement?

Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) found that implementation of the Northern Flood Agreement was a slow, laborious and unsatisfactory process. The different parties to the Agreement had different understandings as to their respective rights and obligations. Through numerous community meetings and discussions, the leadership received direction to proceed with an implementation agreement and after more than two years of negotiation, the 1992 Implementation Agreement defined the rights and entitlements of Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) under the Northern Flood Agreement. The acknowledgment and recognition of Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) rights have lead to the Agreement in Principle with Manitoba Hydro which protects Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) interests in respect of a possible generating station at Gull Rapids within the Split Lake Resource Management Area.

Why are Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) concerned about purchases of hydroelectricity by Xcel Energy Inc. from Manitoba Hydro?

The possible generating station at Gull Rapids, within the Split Lake Resource Management Area, will be dependent upon export capabilities in the future. If an important source of possible purchases (Xcel Energy Inc.) should disappear, then the economic viability of such future potential development may also disappear. Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) wish to preserve their options for participation in future development and their opportunity to participate in a meaningful way in the economy of the 21st century, using and sharing the resources upon which they have always relied.

Is Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) the only Cree Nation to benefit from Gull Rapids?

No - if Gull Rapids is built, other Cree First Nations will have an opportunity to participate. War Lake First Nation has signed an Agreement of Cooperation and Understanding with Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak). Fox Lake First Nation and York Factory First Nation (Kitche-Waskahigan), in the Split Lake Resource Management Area, are actively involved in negotiations with respect to their possible involvement.

Some environmental activists and other activists appear to oppose further hydro electric development in northern Manitoba. How does Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) respond?

Although Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) have appeared before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, the St. Paul Area Council of Churches and other organizations and forums in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, environmental activists who take such position have chosen not to meet with the Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) to understand the Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) position. These activists appear to have chosen to ignore the positions publicly expressed by the Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) and appear not to accept the findings of these bodies that have been supportive of Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak). It is unclear to Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) what the agenda of the activists truly is.

What aspirations do Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) have?

Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) know that the past cannot be changed. Their members shed tears when remembering ways of life that have been lost. However, they will not lose their connection with the waters and lands over which they have stewardship, and will not lose respect for all of the relationships that exist and which they have with all things in their territory. They will also not be relegated to the roles of hunters and gatherers only. They wish to have a sustainable economy, and must build upon the resources that are available to them. They have always been ready to share resources, and a hydro project at Gull Rapids provides such an opportunity and hope for the future. Young people and future generations will benefit by the vision of today's leaders, supported by their people. Those with hope do not live in despair, and Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) have hope.

How do the Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) come to their decisions?

The history of the Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) shows that their processes and decisions are community lead. The Chief and Council are elected for two year terms. There are monthly meetings of members which are used for obtaining information, disseminating information, receiving input from members and receiving direction.

In terms of the negotiation of a development agreement, arising out of the Agreement in Principle, there are numerous community committees, each one chaired by one councilor and another senior member of the community and consisting of several community members, including elders. These committees receive information from technical advisors, and disseminate the information to other members of the community. The active involvement of the community, both through committees and at regular meetings of the general membership, ensures that there is a democratic process whereby information is exchanged, matters discussed and direction given and acted upon.

Similar processes occurred in the more than two year period leading up to the 1992 Agreement. That Agreement was ratified by over 90% of the members of the community. Similarly, the Agreement in Principle signed in October of 2000, was ratified by a significant majority of Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) members.