AMC STANDS WITH BLOODVEIN, MISIPAWISTIK AND PIMICIKAMAK ON MOOSE STEWARDSHIP AND TREATY RIGHTS
September 24, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
Jesse Nobess
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMC STANDS WITH BLOODVEIN, MISIPAWISTIK AND PIMICIKAMAK ON MOOSE STEWARDSHIP AND TREATY RIGHTS
TREATY ONE TERRITORY, MANITOBA — September 24, 2026 — The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs stands with Bloodvein River First Nation, Misipawistik Cree Nation and Pimicikamak Cree Nation as each Nation exercises its responsibilities to protect moose, uphold Treaty rights and safeguard the wellbeing of its citizens.
While each Nation’s circumstances are distinct, their concerns raise a common issue: Manitoba must meaningfully engage First Nations in decisions affecting their territories, harvesting and Treaty rights
“Bloodvein, Misipawistik and Pimicikamak are not simply stakeholders in decisions about their territories,” said AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “They are Nations with laws, knowledge, rights and responsibilities. Manitoba must respect that authority.”
Misipawistik has raised serious concerns about the sustainability of its moose population and called for a voluntary closure to moose hunting in its traditional area. Pimicikamak has challenged Manitoba’s approach to licensed moose hunting and its implications for Treaty rights and conservation. Bloodvein has raised concerns about outside hunting, conservation and the safety of its citizens, including the circumstances surrounding its community checkpoint.
“These Nations are demonstrating what responsible First Nations governance looks like,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “They are protecting the animals that sustain their people and ensuring those resources remain for generations to come. Their knowledge and laws must be part of the decision-making—not an afterthought.”
The AMC is calling on Manitoba to meet directly with the three Nations, disclose the information supporting its moose-hunting decisions and establish a respectful process with each Nation to address its concerns.
“Reconciliation requires more than asking First Nations leadership to accept decisions Manitoba has made unilaterally,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “It requires a relationship based on recognition, trust and respect for First Nations authority. Manitoba has an opportunity to put those commitments into practice by working directly with these Nations on moose stewardship.”
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For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs was created in 1988 by First Nations in Manitoba to coordinate political action and technical work on common issues. Through the Chiefs-in-Assembly, AMC works collectively to promote, preserve, and protect First Nations and Treaty rights, strengthen First Nations cultures, traditions, languages, economies and societies, and advance self-determination and self-government. AMC represents 63 First Nations in Manitoba and the diverse Anishinaabe, Nehetho/Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.