Manto Sipi Cree Nation and Mathia Colomb Cree Nation oppose mineral exploration

Manto Sipi Cree Nation and Mathia Colomb Cree Nation in northern Manitoba have stated their opposition to mineral exploration in their traditional territories. In a press release Feb. 18 Manto Sipi said it would block mineral exploration and work permits and will not consult with the provincial government until land disputes are addressed. “I have been given a strong mandate to initiate legal, political and defensive action against outside encroachment,” said Manto Sipi Chief Michael Yellowback. He said the nation had exhausted all avenues in dealing with Mineral Resources Minister Dave Chomiak. Manto Sipi has a land claim on an expired mineral claim and the nation refutes the minister’s legal position and opinion on the Godslith Claim. Manto Sipi will be taking the issue to court. On Feb. 19, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation issued its own press release proclaiming its moratorium against mining activities on its traditional territory was still in effect. “The sovereign nation of Missinippi Nehethowak, as represented by Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, has always and continues to assert our full sovereignty, jurisdiction, rights and responsibilities over our extensive traditional territories,” said Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Chief Arlen Dumas. “We have ongoing legal, political and cultural obligations to protect our water, land, plants, and animals within our territories on behalf of past, current and future generations and we will live up to that obligation.”