MKO Demands Cancellation of Moose Licenses - AI Generated Image
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) is once again calling on the Province of Manitoba to cancel the 2025 moose licence draw, citing ongoing wildfire destruction in the north and repeated infringements on First Nations’ constitutionally protected rights. This marks the tenth such call from MKO in the last four years.
Grand Chief Garrison Settee voiced strong opposition to the province’s May 1 decision to move forward with the draw, stating that it disregards both the Northern Flood Agreement and Treaty obligations. MKO stands in full support of letters issued by Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Chief Heidi Cook of Misipawistik Cree Nation, both of whom object to the draw’s unilateral approval without consultation.
Ongoing wildfires in key hunting areas, including the Grand Rapids and Cross Lake regions, have caused what MKO describes as “catastrophic losses” to moose habitat and populations. Despite this, the province has increased the number of hunting licences, basing the decision on months-old aerial surveys. The data from those surveys, MKO says, has not been shared with impacted First Nations, raising serious questions about transparency and reliability.
MKO is demanding an immediate cancellation of the 2025 moose licence draw in Game Hunting Areas 9A, 10, 15, and 15A. The scheduled draw announcement—set for June 21, coinciding with National Indigenous Peoples Day—is seen by many leaders as a deeply disrespectful act.
“This is not consultation. This is not reconciliation,” said Grand Chief Settee. “Our people are watching their food sources vanish while the province hands out hunting tags like prizes. Enough is enough.”
MKO’s latest statement reiterates its demand for the province to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities by cancelling the draw and honouring its Treaty commitments.
