Events & News

4 Manitoba First Nations lead partnership with federal, provincial governments to protect Seal River watershed

18 January 2023

Four Manitoba First Nations are leading a new partnership with the provincial and federal governments. The goal is to preserve one of the world's largest ecologically intact watersheds, the Seal River, which would add half a percentage point to Canada's goal of protecting 30% of the country by 2030.

The Seal River watershed covers over 50,000 square kilometers in northwestern Manitoba, an area of pristine wilderness the size of Nova Scotia that contains 22 known species at risk, including polar bears, orcas and wolverines. It is one of the richest carbon sinks in the world, absorbing carbon dioxide through trees, soils, mosses and phytoplankton.

"Protecting the watershed is protecting the spirit of our people," Stephanie Thorassie, executive director of the Seal River Watershed Alliance, said at the press conference.

Read the full article from CBC News.