(July 12, 2023) — Chief Morris Beardy and Council of Fox Lake Cree Nation are pleased by the announcement that the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have agreed by a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the feasibility of inter-provincial corridors, for the purpose of exporting natural resources. They were also pleased to indicate that Neestanan Projects Inc, a First Nation company, will be doing some of the technical analyses and other studies to support the project.
The Fox Lake Cree Nation, in conjunction with Neestanan Projects Inc, are spearheading an endeavor for a deep-water port at the mouth of the Nelson River, on the Hudson Bay. The mission is to build and have an Indigenous owned seaport to service the prairies and provide major freight access to tide water and markets around the world. Fox Lake Cree Nation has executed a Memorandum of Understanding with NeeStaNan Projects Inc. to conduct an Environment Assessment and Social Impact Study. The vision is to build a long-term export and import access of goods to and from international markets in the spirit of Indigenous economic reconciliation that are critical goals for Canada.
“The Prairie Provinces having access to tidewater at Port Nelson will provide social and economic benefits for the heart of Manitoba and for the rest of the country”. said Chief Morris Beardy.
NeeStaNan Utility Corridor Project has been in the planning stages in conjunction with Fox Lake Cree Nation for the last five years. Utility corridor studies done by the School of Public Policy; University of Calgary confirms the validity of the NeeStaNan Utility Corridor Project. NeeStaNan’s overall vision is to build an all-Indigenous owned utility corridor from Alberta to Port Nelson, Manitoba. The plan is for the corridor to provide transportation services; provide green energy to the prairie provinces; augment the Hudson Bay rail line and Port of Churchill; and be capable of operating year-round.
PHASE 1
The corridor will run through Treaty 8, Treaty 6 and Treaty 5 Territories in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
NeeStaNan aims to exceed environmental standards throughout its operations with a plan to reduce 30% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Fox Lake Cree Nation looks forward to further collaboration with the Manitoba Government.