KSNC – How the Committee Came to Be…
In 2012, as a result of a shared recognition that Lake Sturgeon in the Nelson River had been adversely affected by a number of factors, and a common interest and desire to protect and enhance Lake Sturgeon populations, Manitoba Hydro (MH), Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership (KHLP), Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN), War Lake First Nation (WLFN), York Factory First Nation (YFFN), Fox Lake Cree Nation (FLCN) and Shamattawa First Nation (SFN) entered into the Lower Nelson River Lake Sturgeon Stewardship Agreement.
The parties recognized that there was an overlap of Lake Sturgeon between the Nelson and Hayes rivers, and communities on both rivers had similar concerns. The parties also recognized that Lake Sturgeon had a significant historical and cultural relationship with Indigenous peoples along the rivers.
Objectives Defined
The objectives of the Agreement were to define and carry out projects to monitor and increase the parties knowledge of Lake Sturgeon, and ultimately to conserve and enhance populations. To meet the objectives, the parties agreed to form, and participate in, the Lower Nelson River Sturgeon Stewardship Committee.
By participating in the Committee, the parties agreed to share information, wherever possible, with regard to sturgeon protection and enhancement. A Terms of Reference was developed that defines the areas of interest, core activities, funding and implementation structure of the Committee.
Although not a signatory to the Agreement, Manitoba Sustainable Development (MSD) has one representative who participates on the Committee as a non-voting member. This participation includes attending Committee meetings, providing information, and participating in Committee discussions.
Working with Others
The Committee is seen as being complimentary to other Lake Sturgeon co-management activities within the Province. It recognizes that the Nelson River Sturgeon Board (NRSB) is focusing conservation efforts on upper Nelson River (Lake Winnipeg to Kelsey GS) Lake Sturgeon populations. This Committee will focus on the area downstream of Kelsey GS and expects to work cooperatively with, and complimentary to, the NRSB. The Committee is not directing efforts to “manage” Lake Sturgeon stocks (as would a management board, such as the NRSB), but instead, will concentrate on engaging and educating the public, generating information and undertaking projects that may enhance or protect Lake Sturgeon populations.
Committee activities are seen as complimentary to the Manitoba Sustainable Development Lake Sturgeon Management Strategy (MCWS 2012), Manitoba Hydro’s Lake Sturgeon Stewardship and Enhancement Program (Manitoba Hydro 2012) and to the Lake Sturgeon components of Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership’s Aquatic Effects Monitoring Plan and Fisheries Offsetting Management Plan. Committee participants take a proactive approach to Lake Sturgeon Stewardship. The first meeting was held on May 23, 2013. The Committee was renamed the Kischi Sipi Namao Committee (KSNC, Cree for Nelson River Sturgeon) in 2013 to reflect Indigenous participation and principles.
Nelson River Sturgeon Board (NRSB)
An example of the efforts undertaken by the NRSB include the management recommendations made for the region of the Nelson River downstream of Whitemud Falls (the outlet of Cross Lake) to Kelsey, in response to declining populations of Lake Sturgeon:
• No fishing should occur before June 16;
• Harvesters limit themselves to one fish per family per year; and
• Larger fish (which are more likely to be mature females) be released and smaller fish chosen for harvest.
Recent monitoring by the NRSB shows an increasing population size of sub-adult Lake Sturgeon, which validates the effectiveness of the board’s recommendations, and demonstrates that stock recovery is taking place in this stretch of the Nelson River.
20-year Funding Arrangement
Manitoba Hydro has committed to a 20 year funding arrangement (effective 2013) that will allow the committee to undertake a variety of core activities. Funding for the KSNC is allocated from Keeyask and the existing stations on the Nelson River. The community led, collaborative structure of the KSNC will ensure the incorporation of Traditional Knowledge (TK) into the important work of protecting and enhancing Lake Sturgeon populations.
“KSNC is a voice for the sturgeon and the future”
Gilbert Beardy, Tataskweyak Cree Nation