Chief Francis Flett (left) receives the official settlement cheque from Hydro Chairman John McCallum and President Bob Brennan.
Our lands and waterways were the main source of sustenance and security for our people before the signing of the Treaties and after the signing of the Treaties. We continue to hunt, trap and fish and harvest foods in our own traditional way as the original inhabitants of this land.
We continue to say to the citizens of this country, especially of this Province of Manitoba, that when we signed Treaty #5, we agreed to share our resources of lands and our resources of waters for your security, for peace and for prosperity.
There is no misunderstanding on our part as to what our ancestors signed and agreed to abide by. We realize that the Province is very rich in resources and they have harvested and reaped their rewards in security, peace of mind and continued prosperity.
In signing the Hydro Settlement for $4.56 million, we have waited patiently for over thirty (30) years. This, to us, is not a huge amount, but we hope that by signing the agreement, a greater understanding is shared by all Manitobans of our fight for greater recognition in alleviating some of the harsh conditions we have experienced. It was not always easy to hunt, fish and harvest foods on our flooded traditional areas of land and water. Manitoba Hydro and The Pas Indian Band must continue to work together to create better living conditions, for us and for all Manitobans.
We are certain that the merchants of the Town of The Pas shared in our settlement. Our people purchased merchandise in the Town of The Pas and we share our wealth with the citizens of the Town in some way.
We also want to say to the younger generation of our Community, The Pas Indian Reserve, that money cannot replace what we have lost. By signing the Agreement, we continue to protect our rights and as the Leaders of today, hope that in your time you continue to fight for our rights.
We want to thank Manitoba Hydro Officials, Mr. John McCallum, Chairman; Mr. Robert Brennan, President and the negotiating participants who were here at Otineka Mall on The Pas Indian Reserve to witness the signing of the Agreement between Manitoba Hydro and The Pas Indian Band. I, as Chief, must say that you were all gentlemen and we hope that you continue to work in good health and with continued understanding of our people.
After over 30 years of experiencing the effects of the Hydro Dam at Grand Rapids, we finally have some settlement from Manitoba Hydro in the amount of $4.56 million.
Hunting, trapping and fishing is our way of life, our tradition and the right that we have and must continue to enjoy. The Agreement further protects these rights so that our future generations will not be deprived or restricted by projects of this nature.
We feel it is most important to have an Agreement now with Manitoba Hydro and continue to have a working relationship that will mean something to us when the time comes to discuss future adverse effects to our traditional lands and waters.
We express our sincere appreciation to the Hydro Officials who came to our Community of The Pas Indian Band to sign the Agreement at the Otineka Mall on November 1, 1991.
We also express our sincere appreciation to our people, who also waited patiently for the signing of the Agreement. The people who waited at the Mall for hours maintained their calm and dignity, and are to be congratulated.
We know that you spent your money wisely and we appreciate that very much and hope that you enjoyed the benefit of purchasing things for your children and loved ones.
Your participation in the community during the meetings were very good and dignified.
May the Good Lord Bless all of you.
Thank you,
The Elders:
Elder Mary Highway
Elder John Lathlin
Elder George Lathlin
Elder Robert Lathlin
Elder Malcolm McGillivary
Elder Lawrence Whitehead
It is my pleasure to play a role in the signing of the Settlement Agreement between The Pas Indian Band and Manitoba Hydro. It is my sincere hope that the settlement will be a source of strength and enduring value to Band members.
All of the people of Manitoba have and will continue to benefit from the production of electricity from the Grand Rapids Generating Station. This settlement recognizes that there have been negative impacts to the Swampy Cree people due to changes in the Summerberry Marsh caused by the project. I want to pay tribute to your leaders for their cooperation and understanding in exploring ways of resolving the outstanding issues.
I thank The Pas Indian Band for their patience and understanding. This Agreement reflects the mutual search for a reconciliation between The Pas Band and Manitoba Hydro. I trust the settlement will be a signal to others of Manitoba Hydro's willingness to resolve issues involved with past projects with appropriate respect and care for the interests of northern people.
I recognize that it has taken some time to reach an understanding between Manitoba Hydro and The Pas Indian Band over the impacts resulting from the development of the Grand Rapids Generating Station. Hopefully this settlement will signal Manitoba Hydro's willingness to develop stronger relationships with aboriginal groups in Manitoba. I understand the Pas Band members have gone through a trying adjustment. Without the patience, diligence and goodwill shown by your leaders, this settlement would not have been possible. I hope this settlement will contribute to solutions to some of the difficulties encountered and contribute to your future well-being.
Manitoba Hydro recognizes that by today's standards much can be learned from past experience. We continue to seek new ways of dealing with concerns of northern people with respect to Hydro development so that mutual interests and aspirations are realized.
I hope to hear in the future how this settlement has contributed to the well-being of your community.
