Pimicikamak Takes a Powerful Stand: Reclaiming Control Over Manitoba's Moose Population

In a bold move asserting inherent Treaty rights and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, Pimicikamak Okimawin (Cross Lake First Nation) has formally returned its moose hunting licences to the Manitoba government. This dramatic gesture, led by Chief David Monias, signifies profound frustration with what the First Nation describes as the province's ongoing mismanagement of vital moose populations within their traditional territories and beyond.

For years, the community has watched with growing concern as moose numbers dwindle, exacerbated by environmental challenges like drought and forest fires, which devastate crucial habitat.

Chief Monias articulated the community's sentiment, stating, 'We've given them time and time again to prove that they're competent in managing our moose population, and they have not.' This sentiment underscores a critical belief: the province has failed in its duty to protect a species essential to Indigenous culture, sustenance, and ecological balance.

The decision to return the licences is not merely a protest; it's a declaration of intent.

Pimicikamak Okimawin is resolute in its demand for a new, Indigenous-led model of resource management. The First Nation believes that only through their traditional knowledge, practices, and direct oversight can the moose population truly recover and thrive.

Key grievances highlight the perceived inequities and failures of the current system.

While Indigenous hunters face increasing restrictions and concerns over dwindling numbers, the province continues to issue licences to non-Indigenous hunters, and even outfitting licences in areas that Pimicikamak believes should be protected. This dual standard, the First Nation argues, is unsustainable and disrespectful of their inherent rights as guaranteed by Treaty 5.

'When we signed Treaty 5, we never gave up the right to hunt and fish and trap,' Chief Monias emphasized, highlighting the historical context and the enduring spiritual and practical connection his people have with the land and its creatures.

The current provincial approach, from Pimicikamak's perspective, undermines these foundational rights and the very essence of their relationship with their traditional lands.

The First Nation's vision is clear: they seek to establish their own resource management system, one that respects ecological limits, prioritizes conservation, and empowers Indigenous communities to steward their ancestral territories according to their own laws and traditions.

This would mean taking full control over hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations, ensuring the long-term health of wildlife populations for future generations.

Manitoba's Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development, Jamie Moses, acknowledged receipt of Pimicikamak's letter and has expressed a commitment to engagement.

However, the path forward will undoubtedly require significant dialogue, a willingness to decolonize resource management practices, and a genuine recognition of Indigenous sovereignty over lands and resources.

Pimicikamak's action sends a powerful message across Canada: Indigenous communities are no longer content to stand by while critical resources are mismanaged.

They are stepping forward, asserting their inherent rights, and offering a pathway to a more sustainable, equitable future for all.