The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Fox Lake Cree Nation, Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro have agreed to the terms of a settlement agreement that will address adverse effects of past hydroelectric development in the lower Nelson River area. As well, the three parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) relating to the proposed development of the Conawapa Generating Station. "While we can not change the past, through the settlement agreement, we can recognize the effects of previous developments and can now look to the future for opportunities for the people of Fox Lake through the MOU," said Tim Sale, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro. "The MOU clearly illustrates the commitments our government and Manitoba Hydro have made to forge respectful and meaningful government-to-government relations with First Nations in this province." The settlement agreement amounts to $18.9 million with the province paying $3.7 million over three years and Manitoba Hydro paying approximately $15.2 million over 15 years. The funds will be administered by trustees appointed by Fox Lake First Nation. The settlement agreement will now go forward for community consideration. "Reaching a consensus on the settlement agreement is a huge milestone for us, and I look forward to the community ratification process," said Chief Robert Wavey of Fox Lake. "The MOU will also provide Fox Lake with an opportunity to provide advice and recommendations regarding our participation in the proposed development and operation of Conawapa. We will ensure that our participation in Conawapa will contribute to our prosperity into the future." "Today is a very positive step in our relations with First Nations and we look forward to a strengthened working relationship with Fox Lake," added Bob Brennan, president and CEO, Manitoba Hydro. "This is an opportunity for the community of Fox Lake to continue on its path for a better future for its people." The MOU acknowledges that Fox Lake will have a leading and significant role with respect to the proposed development of the Conawapa Generating Station and will provide for the establishment of a Fox Lake, Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro working group that will consider how Fox Lake might participate in the development, operations and maintenance of the proposed Conawapa project, identify issues of concern and identify employment, training and business opportunities for Fox Lake. "It is through partnerships with First Nations that we are able to ensure that proposed developments like Conawapa work for the people most affected," said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin. "I look forward to working with Fox Lake as this project unfolds."
