Full Breakdown
Manitoba Premier’s Cease-and-Desist Letter Sparks Tension Over Hunting Access
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Dispute: Provincial Order vs. First Nation Checkpoint
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced that the province issued a cease-and-desist letter ordering Bloodvein First Nation to stop turning away licensed moose hunters at a checkpoint near its traditional territory. The province says the letter was sent to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) earlier this month after attempts to reach an “amicable solution.” Bloodvein’s leadership maintains that no one may hunt moose on its lands without a council permit and that the checkpoint also serves to curb drug and alcohol flow into the community.
Background: Wildlife Conservation and Community Safety
Bloodvein, along with Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Misipawistik Cree Nation, has warned of a declining moose population that threatens food security. The First Nations have asked licensed hunters to refrain from hunting on their territories for the current season. A checkstop established last year to block contraband has been used to enforce these conservation measures, leading to reports that licensed hunters have been turned away for two consecutive years.
Official Statements & Responses
He warned that denying non-Indigenous hunters could “escalate” tensions. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs called on the government to engage directly with the First Nations, respect treaty rights, and develop decision-making processes that honor free, prior and informed consent. The RCMP has not yet taken enforcement action on the cease-and-desist, a point noted by the Manitoba Wildlife Federation.
Criticism & Opposition
Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs expressed disappointment that the premier appeared more concerned with potential “hateful reactions” than with the longstanding racism faced by Indigenous peoples. She argued that First Nations should retain authority over their lands and resources and that the government must respect those decisions rather than impose its own.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are definitely disappointed at the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs that the premier would be more concerned about, you know, the actions of others against First Nations, when we've continually dealt with racism and discrimination,” — Grand Chief Kyra Wilson
- “The real issue that we're dealing with right now is First Nations communities are — specifically Bloodvein in this instance — are wanting to protect, you know, the wildlife within their territory,” — Kyra Wilson, grand chief
- “Hopefully it doesn't come to the case where RCMP get involved.” — Premier Wab Kinew
- “And whatever little that we have left now, we are wanting to protect that,” — Kyra Wilson, grand chief