Tataskweyak Cree Nation elders block access to Manitoba Hydro's Keeyask dam construction site. The blockade was lifted July 12, following a court injunction sought by Manitoba Hydro. Photo: Tataskweyak Justice Alliance
On July 17, 2012, the Tataskweyak Justice Alliance (TJA) held a forum in Winnipeg to explain some of the serious issues facing the people of Tataskweyak Cree Nation at Split Lake, Manitoba.
An objective was to raise awareness and support for a group of women who began a 900 kilometre march to Winnipeg on July 3rd to draw attention to the ongoing housing crisis that residents face.
According to the TJA, “This Northern Manitoba community is facing a crisis of overcrowded, unsafe, and inadequate housing while Manitobans pay some of the lowest rates for electricity in North America and Winnipeg based consultants make millions. Hydro power is generated on TCN (Tataskweyak Cree Nation) land for the benefit of outsiders. It is time for outsiders to cease wielding power in Southern Manitoba that should be wielded by, and for the benefit of, TCN.”
One of the speakers at the forum was Will Braun. Mr. Braun has worked on issues related to hydroelectric development and indigenous peoples’ rights in Manitoba for 12 years. He works for the Interfaith Task Force on Northern Hydro Development.
You can find the Tataskweyak Justice Alliance on Facebook. Mr. Braun’s presentation is shown in this video clip.
