Cree, Métis trappers and fishermen block highway in northern Manitoba

Cree trappers and fishermen from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation near The Pas, Man., stop a truck on Highway 6 as part of a blockade that began Aug. 30. (Thomas Monias)

After negotiations over hydro development stall, groups block highway to protest

By Tim Fontaine, CBC News, September 2, 2016

Around a dozen people from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and their supporters have erected a blockade on a major highway in northern Manitoba, stopping trucks and equipment bound for a massive hydroelectric development project.

Members of Opaskwayak Cree Nation protest reserve’s debt

OCN Chief Michael G. Constant.

Within one year, the reserve’s net debt increased from $5 million to $6.2 million.

By Tiar Wilson, CBC News, Nov 29, 2014

It has taken Tannis Blacksmith 33 years to open her eyes to politics on her reserve, and she has a word for her actions, or lack thereof: Shameful.

As recently as mid-November, Blacksmith discovered the location of the chief and council chambers on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), where she has lived most of her life.

She found it when she showed up with around 40 fellow band members in protest.

“[I had no idea]…if we were even allowed to go there,” she said.