WINNIPEG -The Wilderness Committee and Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (MCCN) have begun work together on objections to Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company’s (Hudbay) new Reed Mine project in Grass River Provincial Park.

Today, Hudbay is being called out by Canadians for its irresponsible actions both here and abroad.

Chief Arlen Dumas said, "The Reed Lake mine proposed by Hudbay is within the unceded traditional territories of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. This proposed mine raises serious concerns in relation to caribou populations, water quality, and carbon emissions. The province of Manitoba and the proponent, Hudbay, have failed to meet with MCCN, the true owners of these lands and resources, in good faith to obtain our free, informed and prior consent on any proposed activities within our territories."

“For the Wilderness Committee it is essential that decisions on lands and waters are made with the informed consent of Indigenous communities,” said Eric Reder, Campaign Director for the Wilderness Committee. “We need to see the province of Manitoba and Hudbay fully respect the Aboriginal, Treaty and Inherent Rights of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation.”

Chief Dumas added, "MCCN commends the Wilderness Committee's efforts to protect the lands, waters, plants and animals in Manitoba. We share many of the same concerns in relation to the sensitive eco-systems and our responsibility to protect them. As a result, MCCN has issued a stop work order to the province of Manitoba and Hudbay unless and until they come to the table in good faith to address these issues."

“MCCN is calling Hudbay to the table, to explain how this development will impact woodland caribou, Reed Lake, and the lands and waters in their traditional territory,” said Reder. “We share their desires to see Mother Earth cared for.”

“We really need to see the Manitoba government get mining out of parks, so that they are protected lands just like most other places in the world,” said Reder.