Flood plans evolving as the province’s spring flood outlook again flags Fisher River basin
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BY JAMES WASTASECOOT
Peguis council and managers are planning preparations for a potential spring flood as the province’s forecast mentions Fisher River Basin. Chief Stan Bird said that the fact the Fisher River is noted is not a good sign and that preparations and measures are being taken. This includes snow removal around housing and structures, clearing culverts, improving drainage and creating emergency response plans.
200 Peguis Band Member petition calls for review of Peguis CFS and removal of ED and lawyer
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BY TREVOR GREYEYES
A letter containing more than 200 names and treaty numbers of Peguis band members has been submitted to Chief and Council, calling for an independent forensic audit and administrative review of Peguis Child and Family Services.
Manitoba budget offers First Nations new money for policing, language and infrastructure, but little direct clarity for Peguis
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BY JAMES WASTASECOOT
Budget 2026 includes Indigenous-led grants, majority-Indigenous energy partnerships and a broad flood-mitigation envelope, but much of the help for First Nations is still framed in province wide terms rather than community- specific commitments.
Letter with 200 Peguis names sent to Chief and Council calls for review of Peguis CFS
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By Trevor Greyeyes
A letter containing more than 200 names and treaty numbers of Peguis band members has been submitted to Chief and Council, calling for an independent forensic audit and administrative review of Peguis Child and Family Services.
The identities and entries in the letter have not been independently verified.
Read more: Letter with 200 Peguis names sent to Chief and Council calls for review of Peguis CFS
Winnipeg Developer Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Peguis First Nation
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By Terra Indigena staff
A Winnipeg developer has filed a defamation lawsuit against Peguis First Nation following comments made in mainstream media coverage related to a land deal involving the former Meadows golf course in East St. Paul.
According to a statement of claim filed Feb. 13 in Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench, developer Andrew Marquess alleges that remarks made by Peguis First Nation’s legal counsel in previous mainstream news reporting suggested he was “untrustworthy” and had engaged in improper business practices.
The lawsuit claims those statements were false and damaging to his reputation. Marquess is seeking damages and legal costs.
The dispute is connected to Peguis First Nation Real Estate Trust’s 2021 acquisition of the former Meadows golf course lands. Court documents referenced in media reports indicate the purchase involved $10 million from the Peguis Treaty Land Entitlement Trust and a $5.5 million loan from a numbered company owned by Marquess’ spouse.
Following a change in Peguis leadership in April 2023, the First Nation stopped working with several advisers associated with the previous administration.
Marquess had provided consulting and advisory services to Peguis prior to that shift, according to court filings.
The lawsuit states that when the $5.5 million loan matured in 2024, the trust defaulted. It alleges that 75 per cent of partnership units connected to the golf course land were subsequently transferred to a corporation controlled by Marquess in exchange for assuming principal and accrued interest on the loan, along with certain future development obligations.
The defamation claim also references a separate lawsuit filed by Peguis First Nation in 2024 alleging fiduciary breaches related to the land deal.
The lawsuit stems from comments made during coverage by other mainstream media outlets in 2025.
None of the allegations in either action have been proven in court.
Marquess’ lawyer declined comment in media reports. Peguis First Nation and its counsel had not responded publicly at the time of publication.
The matter is now before the courts.
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