| New Indian Band Solution to Hydro Woes? | 03 October 05 |
 Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) members from Nelson House and South Indian Lake, Manitoba are alarmed by the fast-tracked creation of a new Indian Band at South Indian Lake, Manitoba. A notice from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), in the September 28, 2005 Winnipeg Free Press, gives members until October 3, 2005 "to make their views known" on the agreement signed on July 11, 2005. The agreement has not been made available in the community. No indication of how public comments will be made public is provided. "They wish to ensure a positive outcome for the controversial Wuskwatim referendum," stated Angus Dysart, President of Displaced Residents of South Indian Lake. Over 80% of NCN members at South Indian Lake opposed the hydro project in a 2001 vote. NCN members who join the new OPCN band will lose their right to vote in any Wuskwatim referendum. No formal vote on the separation of NCN members from South Indian Lake to create the new O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation (OPCN) will be held. View the October 3, 2005 NCN letter to INAC (DOC) View the full September 29, 2005 DRSIL press release (DOC) View previous Manitoba Wildlands news items: June 16, 2005 First Nations Hydro Petitions Tabled March 23, 2005 Band Status Fast Tracked Source: PR Direct |
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