Northern Voices

"We face many of the same challenges of other First Nations in Manitoba and across Canada, poverty, inadequate health care and social services, poor housing and lack of training, skills and jobs. So we need to find ways to develop and sustain a secure economic base for our First Nation that provides the social and community services we need along with meaningful well-paying jobs and opportunities for our people and especially for our youth.

For us, economic support is not abstract. Its absence is a daily soul-destroying reality. This development gives us an opportunity to become a partner with up to 33 per cent ownership of a project in our resource area that will provide us long-term stable revenues. It is a tangible step into a brighter future."
Chief Jerry Primrose, Manitoba Clean Environment Commission Hearings on the Wuskwatim Generation and Transmission Projects, Winnipeg, March 1, 2004

“For the first time, we have the opportunity to share in the economic benefits of hydroelectric development and to ensure development is environmentally acceptable to our people.”
Chief Rusty Beardy, War Lake First Nation, July 9, 2003 at Signing of Participation Agreement for proposed 620 MW Keeyask project

"The Northern Flood Agreement has not only guaranteed the survival of Norway House, but is also paving the way for future economic development."
The Spirit of Norway House- A One Hour Documentary examining the history of Norway House Cree Nation

"Our negotiators have worked very hard, our people have been part of this process since it began. What we have here today strongly reflects our people's vision for the future. Today we can finally begin building a better future for our children and their children's children."
Chief Eric Saunders, York Factory First Nation, December 8, 1995

"The land and other compensation that we have received under this settlement is the future of our children and our Nation. It will be invested wisely and tended carefully to the benefit of generations of Split Lake Cree yet to come. Today, we celebrate not only our future, but the future of our Nation."
Chief Norman Flett, Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake), June 24, 1992.

"It's good news for Norway House. This money will be there over a period of years to ensure future generations benefit by it as well."
Chief Ron Evans, Norway House First Nation, January 29, 1998.