The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) continues to raise serious concerns with both the RCMP and the federal Minister of Public Safety (Hon. Gary Anandasangaree), regarding the unlawful blockade—initially described as a check stop—erected by Bloodvein First Nation on the provincial highway accessing the east side of Lake Winnipeg.
While MWF supports measures aimed at preventing drugs and alcohol from entering the Bloodvein Community, this check stop is clearly designed to deny licensed moose hunters access to public lands. Despite government assurances that licensed moose hunters would not be affected – legal, licensed hunters are being questioned and then turned away. Chief Young with the Bloodvein First Nation has communicated to these hunters that the only remaining access into the area is by float plane—effectively cutting off access to a provincial highway, river system, and public land.
Below you will find MWF’s correspondence with the RCMP. In a detailed letter to Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy, we strongly dispute the RCMP’s claim that there is no actual blockade or instance of non-Indigenous individuals being prevented from travelling through the area in question, and urges law enforcement to fulfill their duty to uphold the rule of law. The MWF also wrote to the Minister of Public Safety, pressing the federal government to take responsibility for ensuring access to public lands and provincial infrastructure. The MWF calls attention to the lack of enforcement, the unlawful restriction of public access to Crown land, and what it views as a troubling reluctance to sanction clear violations of the law. To date, despite several individuals being turned away, enforcement authorities have taken no action to address this matter.
Aug 28, 2025 – MWF letter to RCMP on Bloodvein Blockade
Sept 19, 2025 – CO Manitoba RCMP Response to MWF Managing Director
Sept 25, 2025 – MWF Response to RCMP Scott McMurchy Response
Oct 8, 2025 (MinPS re Bloodvein Blockade) – MWF Letter to Federal Minister of Public Safety: RE Bloodvein First Nation Blockade
