Manitoba Hydro Impacts on Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak)

The Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) were adversely impacted by Manitoba Hydro Mega Projects of the 1960's and 1970's, which involved major river re-engineering works in northern Manitoba and creation of hydroelectric generating stations. Our Reserve (Reservation) is at the junction of where waters from the two re-engineered rivers meet. These Projects took place without the consent of the northern Cree, and at a time when environmental laws and regulations were either nonexistent or in their infancy (learn more).

Dealing with the Past: The Agreements

The historic 1977 Northern Flood Agreement was entered into among the Province of Manitoba, the Government of Canada, Manitoba Hydro and five Cree First Nations (or Tribes): Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak), Cross Lake (Pimicikamak), Nelson House (Nisichawaysihk), Norway House and York Factory, to address the harm (both past and future, seen and unforeseen) caused by these Projects (learn more).

Initially, implementation of the provisions of the 1977 Northern Flood Agreement, was slow. The parties had different views as to what their respective rights, responsibilities and obligations might be. Some matters were agreed to, and others went to arbitration.

In the late 1980's, all five First Nations (Tribes) agreed to negotiate with Canada, Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro (the other parties to the 1977 Northern Flood Agreement) to see if an agreement could be reached as to how the 1977 Northern Flood Agreement would be implemented.

After tremendous community effort and support, with guidance from our Elders and Membership, in 1992 Members of Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) voted overwhelmingly (93% in favor) in support of our 1992 Implementation Agreement with Canada, Manitoba, and Manitoba Hydro.

The 1992 Implementation Agreement gives practical application to the provisions of the 1977 Northern Flood Agreement for the Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak), including, among other things: compensation lands; recognition of ongoing co-management rights and stewardship responsibilities of Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) in our traditional territory, the Split Lake Resource Management Area; compensation for adverse effects; community and economic development support through a perpetual trust; recognition of continuing 1977 Northern Flood Agreement protection; and additional rights relative to future development within the Split Lake Resource Management Area (learn more).

Since then, three other First Nations (Tribes) that were party to the 1977 Northern Flood Agreement have signed Implementation Agreements: Nelson House, Norway House and York Factory.

Arising out of the 1992 Implementation Agreement, the Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) and Manitoba Hydro signed a 2000 Agreement in Principle in October of 2000, with respect to a possible generating station at the Gull Rapids (Keeyask) site within the Split Lake Resource Management Area. Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) is working in partnership and negotiating with other First Nations (Tribes) and is exploring ways to maximize benefits for aboriginal people from employment and business opportunities. (learn more).

Moving Forward: Plans for a Bright Future

Development of a generating station at Gull Rapids (Keeyask) would allow Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) to enjoy training, employment and business opportunities for our members, and a right to participate in ownership so as to share resources in a new way - resources upon which countless generations of our people have relied.

The Gull (Keeyask) Project will not flood any Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) Reserve (Reservation) lands, or the water body of Split Lake itself.

The Gull (Keeyask) Project will not impact other Cree Nations outside of the Split Lake Cree Resource Management Area, including Cross Lake (Pimicikamak), and will not alter current Manitoba Hydro operations.

Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) will not consent to the construction of future hydroelectric development within our traditional territory unless Federal and Provincial environmental standards are strictly complied with. More importantly, the project must satisfy Split Lake Cree's (Tataskweyak's) own social and environmental criteria, based on our traditional ecological knowledge and respect for Mother Earth, and for the Creator of Life.

The rivers and lakes have provided for the Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) in the past throughout our existence since time immemorial. We are, today, seeking a meaningful way to participate in the 21st century economy using the resources within our territory.


Respecting Rights of Each Northern Flood First Nation (Tribe)

In 1979 all five Northern Flood First Nations, namely, Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak), Cross Lake (Pimicikamak), Nelson House, York Factory and Norway House, agreed that each First Nation would negotiate its own arrangements for implementing the 1977 Northern Flood Agreement for their own First Nation, but would support each other on matters of common concern. Each First Nation would recognize the autonomy of every other First Nation, and each would act so as not to handicap or harm the efforts of any other First Nation.

Any person suggesting that any future development should not proceed unless and until Cross Lake (Pimicikamak) is satisfied, will be handicapping or harming the efforts of Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) in respect of the implementation measures they negotiated under the 1977 Northern Flood Agreement, contrary to the agreement reached among the Northern Flood Agreement First Nations.

It is vital to Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) that our rights be respected and that our options with respect to future development remain open and viable.


Support for the Export of Power from Manitoba Hydro to the United States Equals Support for the Future of the Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak)

Any success in endeavors to block the export of hydroelectric power south, could cause Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) to lose a significant and reasonable economic opportunity. It could undo years of work, jeopardize the prospect of Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) becoming self-sustaining, and hinder an important element of our negotiated rights.

Please join the many who have already expressed support for Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak) (such as church organizations and other Cree Nations (Tribes) of northern Manitoba and VOTE AGAINST ANY PROPOSAL SIMILAR TO PROPOSAL NO. 2 at the next Xcel Energy Inc. shareholders meeting.

The Great Irony

People with good hearts, trying to help Cree who suffered from past Manitoba Hydro Mega Projects, will hurt the Cree once again, if this Resolution were to pass.

Be sure to make an Informed Decision.