MKO Supports Call for Justice Demanding Public Inquiry Into Sexual Violence and Racism at Hydroelectric Projects in Northern Manitoba

For immediate release
June 14, 2019

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is supporting Call for Justice 13.4 from Reclaiming Power and Place, the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

Call for Justice 13.4 reads, “We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to fund further inquiries and studies in order to better understand the relationship between resource extraction and other development projects and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. At a minimum, we support the call of Indigenous women and leaders for a public inquiry into the sexual violence and racism at hydroelectric projects in northern Manitoba.”

Northern First Nations have repeatedly called for a public inquiry into the historical and current allegations of sexual violence, racism, and discrimination at past and present hydroelectric projects in Northern Manitoba.

In August 2018, the Clean Environment Commission released a report highlighting the negative the effects of hydro development in Northern Manitoba. In September 2018, leaders of First Nations in Northern Manitoba demanded a public inquiry. In January 2019, First Nations leaders once again insisted on the need for a public inquiry.

“MKO is once again calling on Manitoba Hydro and the Province of Manitoba to fully and meaningfully engage the Northern First Nations affected by hydro development,” stated Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “We must work together to address racism, harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence experienced by Indigenous peoples, and in particular Indigenous women, in northern hydroelectric development.”

 

“We have repeatedly called on Manitoba Hydro to take steps to ensure that their industry does not result in all sorts of ongoing damage to First Nations citizens,” said Grand Chief Settee. “The National Inquiry has completed its essential work of examining the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls, including sexual violence. We implore the leaders at Manitoba Hydro and the Province of Manitoba to respect the Calls for Justice and engage with us in launching a public inquiry into the impacts of hydro development on First Nations citizens in Northern Manitoba.”