Low water level cuts off access to remote First Nation

A First Nation in Manitoba says it is being “held hostage” by low water levels and thick wildfire smoke. York Factory First Nation (YFFN), which is under a self-imposed state of emergency, said Tuesday it needs help. “We’re basically stuck,” Chief Darryl Wastesicoot told a news conference in Winnipeg. “We’re hearing that [Split Lake] is going to go lower. And our ferry – our way out – is just sitting there.” The Cree nation is located about 700 kilometres north of Winnipeg and is home to about 600 residents. Wastesicoot, flanked by his band councillors and other First Nations leaders, renewed calls for the construction of a 60-kilometre, all-weather road to the community. He said the ferry, which is the only way in and out, has been out of commission for more than two weeks. Making things worse, he added, is smoke from a nearby wildfire that is blanketing the community and making conditions unbearable. Without reliable access in and out, he noted some people are even rationing food. Two dams Two Manitoba Hydro electric dams – Kelsey and Keeyask – regulate water levels in the York Landing area where YFFN was relocated in 1957. Wastesicoot said the Kelsey Generating Station on the Nelson River could release water to allow the ferry to float once again, but the province has told him the water level can’t be changed. Lisa Naylor, provincial transportation and infrastructure minister, said drought conditions are to blame for the unusually low water levels. “We are working closely with York Factory First Nation and the federal government to ensure that families have immediate access to the essential supplies and resources they need,” Naylor said in a statement emailed to APTN News. “We are committed to engaging with the community and the federal government on long-term solutions, including the potential for an all-weather road.” Manitoba Hydro said it is also assisting the community by providing a boat to transport people and supplies. “Kelsey Generating Station is part of our overall system which is operated to maintain system reliability – that is, with enough water to ensure we can continue to reliably generate electricity at all times,” explained media relations officer Peter Chura in an emailed statement “To be clear, the current level of Split Lake is due to drought which is lowering water levels across the province.” Immediate action  Walter Wastesicoot, grand chief of the Keewatin Tribal Council that represents 11 northern First Nations, said YFFN needs immediate action. “… The citizens of northern Manitoba need all-season roads and access to Canada and Manitoba,” he told reporters. “We can’t be held hostage by an unreliable air service, by weather conditions, by Manitoba Hydro’s regulations of these waters.” Wastesicoot, the chief, noted his community is compensated by Manitoba Hydro for flooding but not the impacts of drought. He said until York Factory is an equal partner with Manitoba Hydro, his nation waits in poverty. Continue Reading