Minister: Darrel Ferland

As Minister of the Traditional Economies Portfolio, Darrel Ferland has created and further stimulated Red River Métis traditional economies. Creating and restoring local economies provides an opportunity to conserve natural ecosystems and allows for economic development and capacity building within the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF).

Within the Energy, Infrastructure and Resources Management (EIRM) Department, the Traditional Economies Portfolio covers all aspects of fish and fish habitat and consists of the MMF forestry and peatland files, which includes pursuing sustainable operations and engaging Manitoba and proponents on forestry and peatland management that directly impacts Red River Métis harvesting rights.

Several developments in the fish and fish habitat, forestry, and peatland files include the following:

Forestry and Peatlands

Forestry and peatland management activities are comprised of timber harvesting, access development, access control, renewal, and road development and decommissioning, which directly affect Red River Métis harvesting rights. Manitoba recognizes it has a duty to consult and accommodate in a meaningful way with the MMF on behalf of the Red River Métis with respect to forestry and peatland operations in Manitoba.

The MMF is involved in the engagement and consultation process for the following forestry and peatland related files:

Louisiana Pacific

Louisiana Pacific's (LP) 20-Year Forest Management Plan (FMP) outlines long-term management goals for Forest Management Licence Area #3. The MMF hosted a community consultation meeting on September 21, 2023, to discuss the FMP and collect Red River Métis comments, questions, and concerns including recommendations regarding potential mitigation measures. Following the meeting, the MMF submitted a "What We Heard Report" and a technical review of the FMP to Manitoba and LP. In July of 2024 the Province of Manitoba decided not to approve LP's proposed management plan and instead granted a 5-year licence extension. The FMP is going to be rebuilt to fully include Indigenous values and respect section 35 rights. The MMF is working with LP and the Province of Manitoba in this process of redevelopment.

The MMF participated in the Crown consultation process with the Province of Manitoba in relation to the proposed LP and Mountain Quota Holders Association 2024-2026 Forest Management Operating Plan (FMOP). An FMOP is a short-term, two-year plan which details and maps timber harvest, road access development, and forest renewal. On July 29th, 2024, the MMF held a community consultation meeting in Swan River, Manitoba. Following the meeting, the MMF sent a "Community Consultation Summary Report" to Manitoba and LP that outlined recommendations and concerns with the FMOP.

Niskapawino Forestry Management Corporation

Niskapawino Forestry Management Corporation's (NFMC) 20-Year Forest Management Plan (FMP) outlines long-term management goals for Forest Management Licence Area #2. The MMF hosted a community consultation meeting on May 11, 2024, to discuss the FMP and collect Red River Métis comments, questions, and concerns including recommendations regarding potential mitigation measures. Following the meeting, the MMF submitted a "Community Consultation Summary Report" and a technical review of the FMP to Manitoba and NFMC. Moving forward, the MMF will further contribute to the Sustainable Forest Management Committee which acts as an advisory committee and provides an opportunity for representatives to share knowledge and concerns in relation to forestry activities.

NFMC's 2023-2025 FMOP is a short-term operating plan which details and maps timber harvest, road access development, and forest renewal activities. From June 8 - July 2, 2023, the MMF hosted an online community consultation survey to collect Red River Métis comments, questions, and concerns including recommendations regarding potential mitigation measures. On July 21, 2023, a traditional land use study and "Community Consultation Summary Report" was sent to Manitoba. Moving forward, the MMF will be hosting a Red River Métis specific consultation meeting for NFMC's 2025-2027 FMOP.

Sun Gro Horticulture

Sun Gro Horticulture has prepared an Environment Act Proposal (EAP) for peatland development projects within two existing licence areas in the Southwest and Interlake regions. Red River Métis Citizens can expect an MMF consultation meeting specific to the proposed peat harvesting activities in 2025.

Premier Tech Horticulture

Premier Tech is a company that harvests peat to be used as growing media for the horticultural industry. Premier Tech is requesting to expand their Peat Harvest Licence #12 located in the Southeast Region. This new extension area will be added to their license area and harvested. Red River Métis Citizens can expect an MMF consultation meeting specific to the proposed peat harvesting activities in 2025.

Premier Tech is also proposing a new development project located in southeast Manitoba, approximately 12km west of the Manitoba-Ontario border. The harvesting area of Haute Bog is approximately 539.6 hectare, and the harvesting area of Boggy River Bog is approximately 173.1 hectare. Red River Métis Citizens can expect an MMF consultation meeting specific to the proposed peat harvesting activities in 2025.

In addition to Premier tech's Manitoba operations, they have five operational bogs and one fully restored bog in the Carrot River and Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan areas. Premier Tech is currently seeking approval to develop a new peat harvesting area near Carrot River, Saskatchewan. Red River Métis Citizens can expect an MMF consultation meeting specific to the proposed peat harvesting activities in 2025.

For questions concerning the forestry and peatland files, contact Isaac Manness, Traditional Economies Specialist, by email at isaac.manness@mmf.mb.ca

Fish and Fish Habitat

The fish and fish habitat files within the Traditional Economies Portfolio focus on the commercial fishing industry and the sustainable management of waterways and aquatic species within our Red River Métis Homeland. Red River Métis citizens depend on the water for both traditional and contemporary ways of life, including subsistence harvesting, commercial activities, accessing culturally and historically important sites, and passing down knowledge to younger generations. As such, the protection of these waters and their resources are integral to the work being done within the Traditional Economies Portfolio.

The MMF is involved in the following fish and fish habitat related files:

Canadian Coast Guard - Ocean Protection Plan

The Canadian Coast Guard's Ocean Protection Plan offers funding to the MMF to grow marine emergency preparedness and response capabilities in coastal communities. The Candian Coast Guard plans to support a community-driven process to identify initiatives that align with Red River Métis priorities. Red River Métis Citizens can expect an MMF consultation meeting specific to marine emergency preparedness in 2025.

For questions concerning the Ocean Protection Plan, contact Erin Wieler, Conservation Specialist, by email at erin.wieler@mmf.mb.ca

Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) - Mapleleaf Mussel Surveys

The MMF has obtained funding through the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) to perform work researching and remediating rivers for the Mapleleaf Mussel, a federally listed species at risk in Manitoba. This work will benefit the aquatic environment and make improvements for all freshwater aquatic species while simultaneously gathering knowledge and raising awareness of Mapleleaf Mussels among Red River Métis Citizens. Two rounds of eDNA sampling have been performed as part of the survey, and samples are currently awaiting laboratory analysis.

Clear Your Gear

The MMF has collaborated with a nonprofit aimed at reducing the amount of fishing line and material entering the environment. It is MMF's goal to improve fish and fish habitat by minimizing the amount of debris that enters its waterways. This will be accomplished through distribution of fishing line recycling receptacles, which will promote public education and awareness regarding cleaning up materials before they enter waterways. The MMF was the first Indigenous partner with this program, and was a regional partner to start the installment of these receptacles. The first 14 have been installed in various locations with another 26 to follow suit.

Restoration Priorities

The MMF has received funding to host three community consultations regarding Restoration Priorities. The goal of these meetings is to highlight areas of interest that are identified by Red River Métis Citizens. These are aquatic areas that have historical or contemporary importance to Citizens - these could be important for birds, fish, mammals as well as plant species. Some examples of restoration could be removal of debris, planting of native plant species to promote healthy riparian zones, removal of invasive species or stocking of native species into the waterways. MMF staff have completed two meetings so far, the first being held in Winnipeg and the second taking place in Brandon. The third meeting will be held in Thompson in the new year.

If you are interested in completing a survey, below is the QR code for the Restoration Priority Survey.

Commercial Fishing

The MMF is always looking to engage with Red River Métis commercial fishers, and is currently collecting information regarding concerns, goals, and priorities surrounding the commercial fishing industry. In the past, the MMF has held commercial fishery meetings in St. Laurent to discuss several topics including: quota buybacks, commercial license requirements, Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation, eco-certification of Lake Winnipeg, and barriers to entering the commercial fishing industry. We are always striving to better serve Red River Métis commercial fishers and appreciate your feedback to help meet this goal.

Commercial Fisher Net Program

Through the establishment of a Commercial Fisher Net Program, the MMF has supported over 200 Red River Métis Commercial Fishers with 2,100 nets. These nets arrived in batches and were distributed among the regions where Red River Métis Commercial Fishers reside and work. If you are a commercial fisher and have not received nets, please contact Brennan Richards - Traditional Economies Specialist at brennan.richards@mmf.mb.ca , as there may be some nets remaining.

Fish Spawning Ground Study

The MMF conducted a Walleye Spawning Ground Identification Study with the objective to identify and assess walleye spawning grounds in the Camperville and Duck Bay areas of Lake Winnipegosis, to characterize the quality and quantity of walleye spawning habitat, and determine the viability of the location for wild egg collections.

The MMF completed two catch and tag activities in 2021 and 2022 in addition to habitat assessments in various locations within the study area. Forty walleye, which met the study's sizing and maturity requirements, had a floy tag and telemetry tag installed. These tags allow information to be collected on individual fish in their natural environment, tracking their movements throughout the year.

For any questions, comments, or concerns related to fish and fish habitat files, please contact Brennan Richards - Traditional Economies Specialist at brennan.richards@mmf.mb.ca

Spawning Study 2.0

In partnership with the Environment & Climate Change Portfolio under the Red River Métis Stewards of the Homeland Program (RRM SOHP), the MMF bolstered the Fish Spawning Ground Study for 2023 as the Spawning Study 2.0. This study saw the deployment of underwater camera systems in areas of suitable walleye spawning habitat. Fish populations within the Lake Winnipegosis waterbody are integral to the overall quality of the ecosystem and to Red River Métis commercial fishers and Harvesters. The data collected through the Spawning Study 2.0 will be used to assess populations, determine if the habitat is sufficient, or if stewardship is required to improve the quality of the ecosystem.

Métis Knowledge Land-Use and Occupancy Studies

The MMF is prioritizing Métis Knowledge, Land-Use, and Occupancy studies with Red River Métis commercial fishers. These studies help inform the design of environmental monitoring programs and provide insight into how Red River Métis' rights, claims, and interests may be impacted by development projects.

If you are interested in participating in a Métis Knowledge Land-Use and Occupancy Study, please contact Brennan Richards, Traditional Economies Specialist at brennan.richards@mmf.mb.ca

Traditional Economies

Minister: Darrel Ferland

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