LWIC

"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 December 1st, 2017, five LWIC representatives from four First Nations met with the Deputy Minister of Sustainable Development, Rob Olson, and his assistant, Jocelyn Baker. The First Nations in attendance were Norway House Cree Nation, Black River First Nation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, and Pinaymootang First Nation. This meeting was requested following the CBC news article released on July 6th, 2017, describing the City of Winnipeg's wastewater effluent violations from the northend treatment plant, and the application by the city to ammend their license to allow for a rolling average on...

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 August 1^st to 3^rd, LWIC interim South Basin Representative, Holly Morrisseau and LWIC Coordinator, Johanna Theroux, attended the Yukon River Inte-tribal Watershed Council biennial summit in Carcross, Yukon. The Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) is an Indigenous grassroots non-profit organization, consisting of 73 First Nations and Tribes, dedicated to teh protection and preservation of the Yukon River Watershed. At the summit, LWIC learned about the projects and programs being undertaken by this organization, as well as their governance structure and lessons of their...

On July 24, LWIC elder William Abraham, offered an opening prayer in his traditional language before Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced that the federal government will invest $25.7 million in the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. This program will focus on three priorities, according to ECCC’s press release:

• Reducing nutrient pollution
• Enhancing collaboration to protect freshwater quality throughout the Lake Winnipeg basin
• Strengthening collaborative-governance opportunities and supporting enhanced engagement of Indigenous peoples in addressing...