Ground-breaking Co-management in the Split Lake Resource Management Area of Manitoba, Canada

Ross C Thompson

doi:10.7557/2.16.4.1253

Abstract

Settlement in June 1992, of the Northern Flood Agreement between Manitoba, Canada, Manitoba Hydro and the Split Lake Cree First Nation resulted in the establishment of the Split Lake Resource Management Board (SLRMB) which is comprised of community representatives and government appointees. The responsibilities of the SLRMB include: developing annual programs and budgets, conducting wildlife population and habitat assessments, developing land and resource plans, monitoring resource use, and reviewing land use and management proposals. The Board's mandate extends to management of all natural resources including several distinct caribou (Rangifer tarandus) populations which frequent the Split Lake Resource Management Area (RMA). After one year of operation, the SLRMB has several accomplishments. Its success is attributable in part, to the Board's effective mix of Split Lake Cree First Nation and government of Manitoba appointees. A good communication strategy has also been crucial for increasing understanding about the board, delivering essential resource management messages, and soliciting input at the community level. Rapport, teamwork, credibility and a resulting "strong voice" have set the framework for the SLRMB to play a significant role in resource management in a large part of northern Manitoba.

Highlights

Settlement i n June 1992, o f the NorthernFlood Agreement between Manitoba, Canada, ManitobaHydro and the Split Lake Cree First Nation resulted i n the establishment of the Split Lake Resource Management Board ( SLRMB ) which is comprised o f community representatives and government appointees
The Board's mandate extends to management o f all natural resources including several distinct caribou (Rangifer tarandus) populations which frequent the Split Lake Resource Management A r e a ( R M A )
The Split Lake Resource Management Board ( SLRMB ), formed i n December 1992 under Article 5 of the Split Lake Settlement (Canada et al, 1992), comprises five members appointed by the government of Manitoba and five members appointed by the Split Lake Cree First Nation

Summary

Split Lake settlement

Beginning i n the 1970s, the regulation of Lake Winnipeg and diversion of the Churchill River in northern Manitoba, has drastically impacted many resources and the communities which depend on those resources (Norway House, Cross Lake, Nelson House, Y o r k Land and Split Lake). In 1977 the Northern Flood Agreement (Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, 1977) between the governments of Manitoba and Canada, the Manitoba Hydro-electric Board and the NorthernFlood Committee Incorporated, set the framework for assessing impacts o n natural resources and ensuring impact compensation. Under this agreement, communities were assured of damage compensation and involvement i n development decisions within their respective Registered Trapline Zones. In June 1992, a separate comprehensive settlement was negotiated between the Split Lake Cree First Nation, the governments of Canada and Manitoba and the Manitoba Hydro-electric Board (Canada et ai, 1992). U p o n approval, the trust account can be used for natural resources projects, including caribou management

The Split Lake Resource Management Board

Conclusions

Department of Indian Affairs and Northern