Manitoba’s Crown Lands have always been a shared resource, supporting our province’s rich traditions of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Today, this open access is under threat unlike any other time in recent history. The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is aggressively promoting the United Nations/Federal Government “30 by 30” Initiative to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030—a plan crafted without consulting Manitobans. To meet this broad United Nations goal, the federal government has planned nine Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in Manitoba, three of which are currently being aggressively advanced: Seal River Watershed IPCA, Kitaskeenan-Kaweekanawaynichikatek IPCA, Southeastern Interlake IPA. These initiatives threaten to alienate the public from these shared resources and undermine long-standing traditions and livelihoods.
What are Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas?
Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) are areas where Indigenous communities play the leading role in the planning, governance, and management of protected lands and waters. Other than some environmental activist groups, other non-indigenous interests such as hunters, anglers, outfitters, forestry and mining companies, and other non-indigenous communities, to date have been excluded from active engagement by government.
In Manitoba, IPCAs are being promoted as a key tool to meet the 30×30 goal. These areas often involve agreements between Indigenous communities and government entities to designate large tracts of Crown Land as protected, barring certain activities like resource extraction (mining, forestry, and other industry sectors) or non-Indigenous hunting.
How the Process Works
- Provincial Land Designation: The provincial government identifies areas of Crown Land and designates them for protection. These lands are then “transferred” into federal jurisdiction under agreements between provincial and federal governments. It is unknown whether Manitoba has already entered into land transfer agreements with the federal government. The MWF is pursuing this information.
- Federal Delegation to Indigenous Communities: Once in federal jurisdiction, management authority is delegated to Indigenous communities, who govern the land according to principles agreed upon in the IPCA framework between them and government. This will almost certainly include restrictions on activities like licensed hunting, angling, and recreational use by non-Indigenous users. The MWF is investigating legal options for stopping the IPCA development due to the lack of public consultation.
What does CPAWS support for 30×30 mean for Manitobans
CPAWS has communicated their role in driving this United Nations initiative, claiming: “CPAWS Manitoba is uniquely qualified to lead this conservation push. For over 30 years, we’ve worked closely with Indigenous communities and built strong relationships with both provincial and federal governments. CPAWS Manitoba was also behind the campaign that led the government to commit to 30×30 in the first place.”
This acknowledgment highlights their active role in lobbying to potentially erode access to vast tracts of Crown Land for all but a select few. Their support for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) has been used to reshape land-use policies without meaningful consultation, creating divisions among communities and eroding the shared cultural, recreational, and economic value of Manitoba’s Crown Lands.
CPAWS’ further states: “CPAWS supports hunting in provincial/territorial parks and protected areas by Aboriginal people with established rights, provided that these activities do not compromise ecological integrity or harm the long-term health of habitats or species.” While this acknowledgment supports Indigenous hunting rights, it excludes licensed hunters and anglers from the equation – those who contribute millions annually to conservation through licensing fees and play a critical role in sustainable wildlife management.
These actions seem to be rooted in an ideologically motivated vision that could fail to align with most Manitobans’ understanding of our province’s history and shared heritage, CPAWS claims:
“Conservation efforts in some cases have perpetuated systemic oppression and erasure by forcibly removing people from their land. As a conservation organization, we have a responsibility to decolonize our work and to ensure that we are supporting Indigenous leadership to identify, create, and manage protected areas and ecosystems. We, the staff and Board at CPAWS Manitoba, recognize that upholding the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion of oppressed and repressed voices and perspectives is an ongoing process that requires us all to be actively involved and responsible.”
The MWF recognizes and respects Indigenous rights (e.g., Section 35 of the constitution) and supports Reconciliation, but we believe in inclusive conservation efforts that balance ecological protection with the needs of all land users.
The Economy Matters
Manitoba’s hunting and fishing industries contribute over $1 billion annually to our economy, supporting 5,512 jobs and generating $192 million in taxes for all levels of government. These activities are not just economic drivers but cornerstones of our heritage and culture. Restricting access to Crown Lands risks devastating this vital sector.
For example, the Seal River Watershed is home to 47 lodges and outfitters that rely on hunting and fishing tourism. Moreover, potentially severely restricting forestry, mining, agriculture and hydro development in Manitoba would devastate the province’s vulnerable economy.
Click on the following link to see an example of CPAWS’ video-based advocacy. With the support of our donors, we have produced our own video pushing back on the United Nations/Federal Government (30 x 30) exclusionary protected area vision: Protect Access for All: Oppose 30 by 30.
The MWF is deeply alarmed by the push to implement these divisive conservation policies and believe strongly in a collaborative and made-in-Manitoba conservation plan that unites all Manitobans in sharing the responsibility to protect our precious natural resources.
How You Can Help
Your support is critical to our efforts to protect access to Manitoba’s Crown Lands for future generations. Your donation will help fund:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Highlighting the risks of ’30 by 30′ and the many mechanisms they are using to achieve this disastrous goal.
- Advocacy Efforts: Engaging with policymakers to promote inclusive, balanced conservation.
- Operational Costs: Staffing, advertising, and outreach to amplify our message.
By donating today, you will play a vital role in ensuring that Manitobans retain the right to enjoy our shared natural heritage.
- Donate online at https://mwf.mb.ca/the-mwf/donate
- Mail a cheque to Manitoba Wildlife Federation, 4-999 King Edward Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3H 0R1, along with a note explaining who the donation is for and the occasion.
In addition to donating, you can amplify your impact by contacting decision-makers directly:
- Send a Letter: Write to the Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures, Hon. Ian Bushie, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Tracy Schmidt.
- Email Addresses: Hon. Ian Bushie: minnrif@manitoba.ca
Hon. Tracy Schmidt: minecc@manitoba.ca - Link to email template: https://mwf.mb.ca/archives/10419
- Email Addresses: Hon. Ian Bushie: minnrif@manitoba.ca
- Make a Call:
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- Hon. Ian Bushie: (204) 945-3788 (Legislative Office) or (204) 792-8740 (Constituency Office)
- Hon. Tracy Schmidt: (204) 945-3730 (Legislative Office) or (204) 661-1377 (Constituency Office)
A phone call is often more impactful than an email. When calling, express your concerns in a polite and concise manner. Mention that you oppose any conservation initiatives that restrict access for hunters and anglers and emphasize the cultural and economic importance of these activities in Manitoba.
Thank you for standing with us to protect Manitoba’s traditions, economy, and way of life.
