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Resource Management Program

 
Structure of the Board

The Board is comprised of eight members, four of which are appointed by Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and four of which are appointed by Manitoba. The number of Board Members may be changed upon agreement between Manitoba and NCN, provided that there is always an equal number of appointee's from each party.

The members select a Chair/Co-chair and Secretary from amongst its member. The Board meets at least four times a year. The Board Chair/Co-chair presides over all board meetings. Members of the Board are required to attend meetings, participate in discussions, assist with reaching a consensus, follow up and bring completed action items or status reports on their assigned tasks to the meetings.

Guiding Principles
The following principles are considered by the Board when making recommendations that influence the nature and direction of the land and resource use in the RMA. The RMA includes 5.6 acres encompassing 49 trap lines.

  Harmony and balance between
Competing economic, cultural, educational, social and recreational interests.
Traditional practices and commercial development or business activities.
  Respect for
The rights, privileges and aspirations of all existing resource users.
The ability of future generations to use and enjoy the area’s land and water.
The knowledge, values and goals of Cree people.
 
  Protection and conservation of
Areas of ecological, culture or historical significance.
The capacity of the area’s ecosystem to sustain themselves.
 
  Enhanced opportunities for
Hunting, fishing, trapping and related community developments.
Responsible use of land and resources.
Low impact energy, mining, forestry, tourism and related business.
 
  Understanding and acceptance of
The shared use of the area’s land and resources.
Designating areas of exclusive use for specific purposes.
 
  Cooperative planning between
Cree Nation Members and other resource users.
Parties interested in new arrangements for the use of land and resources.
Cree Nation, Provincial and Municipal governments.

Board Functions
 
  1. investigate resources, their use, and any influences on them.
  2. monitor activities within the RMA
  3. propose subjects for research
  4. prepare information and communications strategies
  5. hold meetings and workshops or consult publicly or privately with any person
  6. develop and recommend resource management plans;
  7. develop and recommend land use plans; and
  8. carry out other duties jointly assigned to it by Nelson House and Manitoba.
     

Resource Management Plans
The Board may develop and recommend resource management plans which may provide for
 
  1. total allowable harvesting levels
  2. species enhancement
  3. methods of harvesting
  4. health and safety considerations
  5. procedures for the assignment or re-assignment of new, vacant or under-utilized traplines, fishery quotas and wild rice leases
  6. enforcement considerations
  7. protection and enhancing resources and their environment
  8. prescribing and monitoring levels of use
  9. establishing priorities and allocations for domestic, commercial and recreational uses of resources by lease, permit, quota or otherwise
  10. resolving conflicts related to the use of resources
  11. protection and conserving resources and
  12. sustainable development of resources.

Land Use Plans
The Board may develop and recommend Land Use Plans, which may provide for
 
  1. zoning lands
  2. prescribing areas of land or bodies of waters for purposes or regulating use
  3. prescribing and regulating land uses
  4. establishing administrative arrangements for the construction or occupation of cabins or shelters
  5. recognizing and preserving areas of ecological, cultural or historical significance and
  6. resolving conflicting uses of land.

Past Achievements & Activities

The Board pays special attention to issues that are of high importance to NCN Member. The Board has been involved in a number of different projects in the RMA, examples include:

Niwunitan Creek: In the spring of 2008 the Board pt up signage on Niwunitan Creek to protect fish populations in the area during the spawning season. Additional signage went up on both sides of PR#391 to help people understand the importance of exercising appropriate conservation practices so resources are available for future generations.

Woodland Caribou Herd: The Board has reviewed Manitoba Conservation's ongoing research on the Woodlands Caribou herd and has advised Manitoba that it values the research underway in the RMA. In addition it has recommended protection of critical habitat for the herd.

Forestry: Concerns were brought forward to the Board by Community members regarding tree topping in the RMA. Issues include the muddy and rutted trail conditions left by harvesters and garbage left behind. The Board recommended that ATV's use only the right of ways during wet periods and that no garbage is left on roads and highways.

Hydropower: In 2006 the Board reviewed and made recommendations on resource dispositions involved with the Wuskwatim Generation Station and related transmission lines. In its review the Board Considered quarry leases, a land purchase, terms of a Water Power License and a transmission line easement.

Cabins: The Board continues to review the increased construction and occupation of both traditional and non-traditional cabins within the RMA; and the resulting need for the development of guidelines to minimize conflict among community members and resource users. It is recognized that the priorities of all groups in the community must be considered when decisions are made about these cabins.

Traditional cabins are generally used by individual community members, groups or family when practicing their Aboriginal and treaty rights to hunt, trap and fish. Traditional cabins provide shelter and a place for food and clothing preparation while people are out on the land participating in traditional resource use activities. When used for education or healing purposes, some people call the culture cabins.

Non-traditional cabins include:

 
  • Commercial resource use cabins – these cabins are used for commercial ("for profit") resource use purposes, including fishing, trapping or wild rice collection.
  • Tourist cabins – these cabins are owned by private individuals and rented or leased to visitors or outsiders for recreational purposes.
  • Private family residences.

To address this cabin situation the Board is developing guidelines and will be working with interested parties to consider the following questions.

 
  • Who should be allowed to build and "own" cabins in the RMA?
  • Should an approval process exist for new cabin construction? If so, who would make decisions about allocation permits for new cabins in the RMA?
  • Are there areas in the RMA where certain types of cabins should or should not be allowed.

Once cabin guidelines are developed by the Board a recommendation will be made to Manitoba and NCN for their consideration.



Who We Are
The Nelson House Resource Management Board (NHRMB) was established under the Article 6 of the Nelson House Northern Flood Agreement (NFA) Implementation Agreement signed on March 15, 1996 between Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), Canada, Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro.

The purpose of the NHRMB is to provide sustainable and integrated land use and resource management within the Nelson House Resource Management Area (RMA). In its planning role the Board devotes special attention to topics of high priority concern to people with long term rights and interests in the ecological condition of the RMA.

The 2010 Board Chairpersons are Bill Yetman of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) and Bruce Holmes on Manitoba Conservation.
Last updated by azam_000@hotmail.com on 5/5/2011
 
     
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