A River's Cry: Poplar River First Nation Fights to Save Sturgeon from Hydro Diversion

Imagine, if you will, a river that has sustained a people and its magnificent creatures for generations untold. Now, picture that river diminished, its lifeblood diverted, and the ancient inhabitants struggling just to survive. That, unfortunately, is the heartbreaking reality unfolding in Manitoba, where the Poplar River First Nation is making an impassioned, indeed urgent, plea to Manitoba Hydro.

Their message is clear, their concern profound: the longstanding diversion of the Poplar River, a massive project for hydroelectric power that began way back in the 1970s, is, quite simply, devastating the lake sturgeon population. These aren't just any fish, mind you; sturgeon are truly a keystone species, elders of the water, and deeply, deeply significant to the cultural fabric of the First Nation.

So, what exactly is happening? Well, for decades, the vast majority of the Poplar River's natural flow has been rerouted into the Winnipeg River basin, all to power the Poplar River Generating Station. The consequence? Significantly lower water levels in the original riverbed. This becomes absolutely critical during the spring spawning season. Sturgeon, you see, need certain water depths to reach their traditional spawning grounds, those ancestral nurseries where new life begins. But with the water levels so drastically reduced, they just can't get there. They're literally cut off. What's more, countless sturgeon end up stranded in isolated pools, trapped and ultimately perishing as the water recedes.

It's a situation that truly pulls at the heartstrings. "These sturgeon are more than just fish to us," a representative from the Poplar River First Nation might tell you, "they are our relatives, part of our identity. To see them suffer like this... it's like watching a piece of ourselves disappear." And honestly, the scientific data backs up these fears. Research by Dr. Michael Rennie, who holds a research chair for IISD-ELA, highlights just how dire things are. He points out that the main branch of the Poplar River now carries a mere 10% of its natural, historic flow. And another study, a particularly grim one from between 2008 and 2017, revealed a staggering 90% decline in sturgeon numbers. Ninety percent! That's not just a drop; that's an ecological collapse in progress.

The First Nation isn't just complaining, though; they're offering solutions. They're urging Manitoba Hydro to rethink and, more importantly, to change the timing and magnitude of its diversions. Specifically, they want to see a significant reduction in the flow diverted during those crucial spring months, allowing the river to swell naturally enough for the sturgeon to spawn successfully. It's about restoring a semblance of the river's natural rhythm, even if just for a short, vital period.

Now, to be fair, Manitoba Hydro has acknowledged these concerns. They state they are collaborating with the First Nation and are undertaking their own studies into the issue. They also point to the complexities of managing river diversions for energy production, especially when rivers are naturally low, suggesting it's a tough balancing act. They even mention having reduced spring diversions by 25% since 2017. But, frankly, for the Poplar River First Nation, and for the sturgeon, those efforts clearly haven't been enough. The population continues its precipitous decline.

This isn't just an environmental squabble; it's a profound cultural and ethical challenge. It's about the future of a vital species, the health of an entire ecosystem, and the inherent rights and responsibilities of an Indigenous community to protect its traditional lands and waters. The call from Poplar River First Nation isn't merely a request; it's a heartfelt demand for genuine collaboration and, ultimately, for Manitoba Hydro to prioritize the life of the river and its ancient inhabitants over unchecked power generation. The sturgeon, after all, have waited long enough for their river to flow free once more.