Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN) and War Lake First Nation (WLFN) formed the Cree Nation Partnership (CNP) in 2001 because of their common interest in future hydroelectric development on the Lower Nelson River. The CNP communities share a rich and timeless history in their Traditional Territories, and with each other. Since time immemorial, Members from both communities have inhabited the lands and used the waterways associated with the Keeyask Project. Today, there are four generating stations in the Split Lake Resource Management Area – Kelsey, Kettle, Limestone and Long Spruce – which produce just over 75 per cent of the power produced in Manitoba.
With the guidance of their Chiefs, Councils, Elders and Members, CNP negotiated groundbreaking agreements with Manitoba Hydro, namely the Joint Keeyask Development Agreement (JKDA), the TCN Adverse Effects Agreement and the WLFN Adverse Effects Agreement (AEAs). These agreements were ratified through a democratic vote by Members of each community.
Ultimately, as evidenced by approving the agreements, CNP Members believe the Keeyask Project provides a variety of opportunities to strengthen their Cree identity while modernizing their economies. This will ensure that the current CNP youth, as well as future generations, can take advantage of the social and economic opportunities provided by the sustainable and responsible development of Keeyask.
Tataskweyak Cree Nation
Population:
On Reserve: 2353
Off Reserve: 1553
On Other Reserves: 126
Governance:
Chief Taralee Beardy
Councillor Doreen Spence
Councillor Nathan Neckoway
Councillor Joan Ouskun
Councillor Leroy Spence
Councillor Randy Beardy
Councillor Dennis Kirkness
War Lake First Nation
Population:
On Reserve: 100
Off Reserve: 197
On Own Crown Land: 26
On Other Reserves: 6
Governance:
Chief Betsy Kennedy
Councillor Dwayne Flett
Councillor Elijah Garson
Statistics above from: INAC November 2020
