Wabanong Nakaygum Okimawin (WNO)

      "East Side of the Lake Governance"

(Formerly known as the East Side Planning Initiative)

Ministers Visits

In March 2004, five provincial cabinet ministers traveled to 14 First Nations on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.  They listened to people's hopes and concerns about the future of their families, community, sacred lands and traditions.  The ministers also answered questions and offered more information about the Wabanong Nakagum Okimawin and the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the majority of First Nations on the east side.

The ministers involved were:  Stan Struthers, Minister of Conservation, Eric Robinson, Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Oscar Lathlin, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, Tim Sale, Minister of Science and Technology and Scott Smith, Minister of Economic Development.

The Premier of Manitoba, Gary Doer, was also involved, travelling to the Bunibonibee First Nation.

Some of the issues the premier and ministers heard were concerns about extremely high food and energy costs; the impact, both positive and negative, of possible road development in the region; and the need for people on the east side to share the benefits of any potential development on the east side.  A strong and passionate respect for land and environment was shared by First Nations people as well as their views on the critical need to protect both.

Stan Struthers, Minister of Conservation, and Oscar Lathlin, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs - Poplar River First Nations, March  2004