Tataskweyak Cree Nation has raised concerns about the impact of Manitoba Hydro operations on the ecosystem of the lower Churchill River and the decline of lake sturgeon populations. The First Nation, situated at Split Lake on the Nelson River system in northern Manitoba, attributes these issues to the Churchill River Diversion, which has altered the natural flow and depth of waterways in the region.
Once abundant and essential to First Nations along the river system, the sturgeon population now faces a critical situation, with only one remaining population at the confluence of the lower Churchill River and the Little Churchill River. Tataskweyak Chief Doreen Spence expressed that the diversion, operational since 1976, has significantly impacted the lower Churchill River, leading to environmental degradation.
Independent researchers hired by Tataskweyak seven years ago conducted a study on sturgeon and their habitat, revealing that Manitoba Hydro’s operations have severely disrupted the ecosystem, contributing to the near demise of lake sturgeon. Tataskweyak knowledge keeper Robert Spence emphasized the interconnectedness between the community and namao, stating that their way of life is intertwined with the land and water.
Lake sturgeon, a vital species in Manitoba’s freshwater ecosystem, have long been part of Indigenous cultures in the region. Tataskweyak has published three reports detailing their research findings and proposing adjustments to the Churchill diversion to better align with the river’s natural flow, ensuring environmental protection and honoring treaty rights.
The Churchill River Diversion, initiated without an environmental assessment or adequate consultation with First Nations, reroutes up to 98% of the Churchill River’s water to Hydro generating stations on the Burntwood and Nelson Rivers. Manitoba Hydro acknowledges the importance of the diversion in its energy system but states that operational decisions must consider various factors, including energy security and affordability.
Tataskweyak urges Manitoba Hydro to synchronize the Churchill River’s flow pattern with the natural seasonal rhythm of a northern river to support sturgeon recovery without halting power generation. The First Nation emphasizes the need for collaborative discussions to find solutions that prioritize nature conservation while meeting energy needs.
Manitoba Hydro recently received Tataskweyak’s technical report and is reviewing the findings. The Crown corporation has collaborated with Tataskweyak since 2011 on lake sturgeon research, providing significant funding for the community’s studies. Chief Spence called on the province to consider the new research and conduct thorough environmental assessments before renewing Hydro’s diversion license in 2026.
Manitoba Hydro asserts compliance with its license conditions and the government anticipates further discussions after reviewing the recent study and previous research on sturgeon populations. The ongoing dialogue aims to address the environmental impacts of legacy waterpower developments and protect fish habitats in the region.
