By James Wastasecoot
Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade and Minister of Natural Resources for Manitoba, Jamie Moses, spoke to Indigenous fishers, leaders and elders at the Assiniboia Downs on Feb. 6. Billed as Part 2 of the Peguis Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Meeting which was held Jan. 4 (See Chiefs lay down challenge for Kinew government: revisit the Natural Resources Transfer Act, Jan 2024 issue), the forum drew Indigenous leaders, fishers and hunters from Manitoba First Nation communities. The minister told the gathering of hunters and fishers that being of a minority himself, he understood the experience of colonization and promised that he’d listen and respect the considerations voiced by Indigenous leaders and Manitobans. He said: “I don’t have all the answer for you today. But what I do have is an understanding that I’m willing to have that conversation on details, and how we can work equity into that perspective into every conversation around resource management.”
Chief Nelson Genaille of Sapotwayak Cree Nation said: “The provincial government is trespassing in our territories. That’s a key message that you have to take to Wab Kinew and his ministers in the departments and the different parties that represent Manitoba.”
Moses was born in Winnipeg with roots in Trinidad and Tobago which has a history of Indigenous peoples being colonized by European powers who brought slaves to the Island and which contributed to a mix of races that eventually settled on harmonious living arrangements. Moses said that just as Trinidad and Tobago grew from differing prespectives and outlooks, it may be possible to forge relations based on mutual respect and accommodation among Manitobans “for the good of all Manitobans.” He said: “People have different outlooks, perspectives and ideas on stewardship, different understandings. We know its not going to be perfect. We know mistakes will be made, but we also know the best way to get there is by continuing to have conversations, a dialogue. Understanding that we are all in a spot where we need to rely on one another.”
Organizer, Mike Sutherland (Peguis Consultation & Special Projects) said the meeting was a good exchange of views.
Following the meeting, Sutherland convened a forum to gather questions to be posed to the minister and the Wab kinew government on treaty and Aboriginal rights. Sutherland said a report of the questions and discussion will be prepared and presented to the government. “This is a start of the dialogue and collaboration from our part,” he said.