The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) has formally written to the federal Minister responsible for Parks Canada regarding decisions surrounding a proposed national park in the Seal River Watershed (Access the full letter here: Seal River Watershed: MWF’s Letter to Federal Minister – Manitoba Wildlife Federation).
This proposed Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) is being advanced by four First Nations through the Seal River Watershed Alliance to the provincial and federal governments. Key elements of governance, management, and implementation remain unclear, and stakeholders have not yet had the opportunity to review a detailed proposal.
In response to MWF’s letter, the Director of National Park Establishment indicated that the next step will be the release of a draft proposal for public and stakeholder feedback through Manitoba’s EngageMB process. While MWF has been identified as a stakeholder, meaningful engagement has not yet occurred, and critical decisions appear to be advancing ahead of that input. Language in the Director’s response raises questions whether long-standing, sustainable activities (including hunting, angling, and the operations that support them) could ultimately be restricted or phased out over time.
These concerns were further reinforced during a recent Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting, where questions about access, governance, and the accommodation of existing users went largely unanswered.
While the federal government emphasizes that national parks are intended to protect biodiversity and support tourism, education, and public enjoyment, it remains unclear how much of the IPA would be designated as a national park, and how continued access for Manitobans, particularly those who rely on the land for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, will be maintained.
MWF respects and supports reconciliation; however, we continue to stress that conservation efforts must also protect the rights, access, and outdoor traditions of all Manitobans.
To read this response letter from Parks Canada in its entirety, click here. Please see MWF’s full response letter below. We will continue to advocate for a transparent and a balanced approach, one that achieves conservation goals without unnecessarily limiting sustainable use or public access.
