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"The Indigenous views of mother earth as a living, breathing, identity may help save Lake Winnipeg, the boreal forest, and ultimately, the entire planet. 

This is a current and critical subject of national and international importance. Lake Winnipeg, the Boreal Forest, global environment and the future of humanity are all ongoing matters of public interest and concern. Future media attention on these issues is almost certain. As the world teeters on the brink of environmental collapse, this story examines people who respect the indigenous worldview that the Earth is our mother, the rivers...

On August 21^st-24^th, 2017, LWIC partnered with Misipawistik Cree Nation and the Northern Manitoba Food, Culture, and Community Collaborative to host the first LWIC youth gathering. This gathering brought Indigenous youth to the Misipawistik Culture camp to learn about the cultural, spiritual, recreational and economic value of Lake Winnipeg. 

Traditional ceremonies, including a pipe and sweat lodge ceremony were held. The youth also heard traditional songs and teachings from elders. Local representatives from Misipawistik Cree Nation also spoke to the youth about the history of their...

From July 17^th- 20^th, LWIC, in partnership with Fisher River Cree Nation (FRCN), completed the first phase of the Fish and Fish Habitat Survey Project. This project, funded by the Wa-Ni-Ska-Tan Hydro Alliance, aims to collect traditional and local knowledge, stories, and testimonies about how fish habitat is being impacted in and around Lake Winnipeg and to summarize the findings into a report to leverage policy makers on key issues from an Indigenous perspective. Additionally, this project aims to identify areas where habitat protections or restoration may be beneficial for spawning in...

In June 2017, LWIC gathered with participants and researchers of the Wa-Ni-Ska-Tan Hydro Alliance in Norway House Cree Nation to discuss the impacts of hydropower operations in the province of Manitoba and the Yukon Territory. LWIC representatives presented the video project, and described past and ongoing work in protecting and restoring Lake Winnipeg. LWIC representatives also attended a traditional sweatlodge ceremony and a community tour of Norway House Cree Nation. This gathering provided a fantastic opportunity for LWIC to promote the work being done and network with other hydro impacted...

In celebration of World Water Day 2017, LWIC representatives gathered in Pinaymootang First Nation on March 22^nd and 23^rd to showcase the finalized LWIC video project. This project involved the creation of three 5-minute videos featuring three First Nations including Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Norway House Cree Nation, and Misipawistik Cree Nation. The videos highlight the relationship each First Nation has with the lake and describe the environmental challenges they are facing. LWIC has also finalized a participation handbook, outlining the roles, responsibilities, and benefits of...

In November 2016, the LWIC steering committee, consisting of six First Nations from around Lake Winnipeg, met to discuss funding options and establish project plans for the upcoming year. The steering committee toured the Brokenhead Wetland Ecological Reserve to gain a deeper understanding of the environmental value of wetlands and the traditional medicines they provide. At this meeting, the steering committee learned about the federal environmental regulatory review process and were provided a presentation overviewing the key environmental legislations in Canada. From this meeting, the LWIC...