MKO Calls on Manitoba to Cancel 2025 Moose Licence Draw Amid Wildfire Devastation and Ongoing Infringement of First Nations Rights
Press Release
Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, Mb – For the tenth time in four years, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) is calling on the Province of Manitoba to take immediate and concrete action to uphold the constitutionally protected First Nation Right of Top Priority and cancel the Moose Licence Draw.
MKO stands in full support of the recent letters from Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Chief Heidi Cook of Misipawistik Cree Nation, which strongly object to Manitoba’s unilateral decision on May 1, 2025, to proceed with the 2025 moose licence draw. These decisions were made without consultation and in direct contradiction to the Northern Flood Agreement and Treaty obligations.
The ongoing wildfires in the Grand Rapids and Cross Lake trapline areas have caused catastrophic losses to moose habitat and populations. Despite this, Manitoba has increased the number of moose licences, relying on months old aerial surveys, of which the results have not been shared with Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Misipawistik Cree Nation, or MKO. The lack of transparency and accountability in the survey methodology raises serious doubts about the reliability of the data used to justify this decision.
MKO reiterates the firm expectation that Manitoba will immediately cancel the 2025 Draw for moose licences in Game Hunting Areas 9A, 10, 15, and 15A.
The scheduled announcement of draw “winners” on June 21—coinciding with National Indigenous Peoples Day—is not only tone-deaf but deeply disrespectful to the First Nations where the rights and lands are being disregarded.
“This is not consultation. This is not reconciliation. Manitoba’s decision to proceed with a moose licence draw in the face of wildfire devastation and without transparency and without accountability is a direct violation of our rights and a betrayal of the Treaties,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “Our people are watching their food sources vanish while the province hands out hunting tags like prizes. Enough is enough. We firmly expect Manitoba to uphold its constitutional obligations and take concrete action.”
MKO calls on the Province of Manitoba to cancel the 2025 Moose Lottery and uphold its legal and moral obligations to First Nations peoples.
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