Keewatinohk Sipia Partnership Fund

The Keewatinohk Sipia (Northern Rivers) Partnership Fund was established by Manitoba Hydro to assist Northern communities located on the "developed waterways" (Nelson, Churchill, Burntwood, Rat, Laurie and Saskatchewan rivers). Manitoba Hydro recognizes that communities located on these waterways have interests in those rivers and adjacent lands. The Fund is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and community use on Northern Manitoba's developed waterways.

Access to the Fund by non-profit groups for waterways projects that enhance one or more communities may be requested in the following areas:

• traditional and/or domestic resource harvesting activities;
• cultural activities;
• recreational activities;
• extra-curricular education activities or programs for youth;
• sustainable activities of local cooperatives and not-for-profit organizations.

Priority is given to projects that are intended to enhance the value, safety and convenience of community activities on/in developed waterways or on land immediately adjacent to them. All proposals must be compatible with Manitoba Hydro operations. Under special circumstances, and after discussion with the Fund Manager, community-or school-based educational and scientific research initiatives may be eligible for funding.

The Fund falls under the purview of the Community Relations Department, Aboriginal Relations at Manitoba Hydro. Some of the projects that have been provided by the Fund include:

• docks for commercial fishers, recreational users, medicine gatherers and berry pickers;
• portages for easier access and safe travel along waterways;
• upgrades to commercial fishers' fish packing plants (fish handling facility);
• communication system for Fisher's for enhanced safety;
• safe havens (cabins) for commercial fishers and trappers.

For information on this program, contact Blair Burdett at 1-204-360-4796 in Winnipeg.