Fox Lake Cree Nation lifts road blockade to 3 Manitoba Hydro sites

Manitoba Hydro officials sign a new agreement with Fox Lake Cree Nation on Saturday night. From Left to right: Band Councillor Shawna Henderson, Band Councillor Martin Nicholas, Chief Walter J. Spence, Manitoba Hydro CEO Mr. Kelvin Shepherd and Division Manager of Indigenous Relations Department Ms. Elissa Neville. (Fox Lake Cree Nation)

Manitoba First Nation agrees to lift blockade after negotiations with Manitoba Hydro, chief says

CBC News, May 15, 2016

A northern Manitoba First Nation has walked away from road blockades to three Manitoba Hydro work sites after blocking access last week.

“I feel very optimistic, we’re both renewing our commitment to work together,” said Walter Spence, the chief of Fox Lake Cree Nation.

Spence said a new agreement was reached Saturday night between Manitoba Hydro and Fox Lake Cree Nation.

Fox Lake Cree Nation blocks road access to 3 Hydro sites

Fox Lake Cree Nation has blocked Highway 290, preventing workers from accessing three Manitoba Hydro sites. (Fox Lake Cree Nation)

First Nation suspects Manitoba Hydro involved after sacred site damaged

By Jillian Taylor, CBC News, May 12, 2016

A northern Manitoba First Nation has put up a road block to keep Manitoba Hydro workers from three sites.

Fox Lake Cree Nation Chief, Walter Spence, said the decision was made after a ceremonial site was desecrated.

“One of our members happened to be out on the land and came across the site,” said Spence. “The prayer flags that were tied to trees, those trees were cut down…tobacco ties [were] on the ground as well.”