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After consulting with a number of church groups in southern Manitoba, Mennonite Central Committee Canada has decided to contribute to a trust fund established by the Pimicikamak Cree Nation at Cross Lake in northern Manitoba.
MCC Canada understands this action as a remittance to help prepay some of Manitoba Hydro's debt to Cross Lake.
The trust fund, established by Cross Lake and administered by Royal Trust, provides a way for the Cross Lake community to collect on the outstanding debt owed them as a result of the government's and Manitoba Hydro's failure to implement the Northern Flood Agreement. Negotiated in 1977 by federal and Manitoba governments, Manitoba Hydro and five Cree bands, the agreement was to provide the bands with compensation and alternative means of livelihood for the duration of the hydroelectric development project on the Churchill and Nelson Rivers.
"In essence we're saying that we have benefitted over the years from cheap electricity, and we will now assume some of Manitoba Hydro's unfulfilled obligations to the people of Cross Lake," said Marvin Frey, MCC Canada executive director.
In November, a controversial resolution passed by MCC Canada delegates allowed MCC to divert 10% of its monthly hydroelectric bill to the trust fund (See "MCC Canada general meeting", MBH, Jan. 8). MCC Manitoba organized a series of meetings in Mennonite churches across Manitoba. More than 100 people, including 30 pastors, met with MCC staff and board members. It was agreed that the resolution should be altered. Consequently, MCC Canada has decided to pay its hydroelectric bill in full and then remit a further 10% to the trust fund.
"We have heard from Cross Lake that the power we use in our homes everyday has come at a great human cost," said Will Braun, MCC volunteer. "Joining MCC in this action is a way for congregations and individuals to demonstrate concretely that this is an important matter for people of faith."
One pastor spoke favourably of the diversion of funds because of his experience overseas taught him that defying powerful structures is often the only way to effect change. There are individuals and other organizations looking into diverting part of their hydroelectric bills to the trust fund.
However, a majority of respondents were concerned that just "because Manitoba Hydro has reneged on its agreement with Cross Lake doesn't justify MCC's not living up to its agreement to pay its monthly power bill," said Frey.
Moreover, there was appreciation for MCC's willingness to consult, a general recognition of injustice and strong support for MCC's involvement with the people of Cross Lake.
Rick Zerbe Cornelsen, coordinator of Aboriginal Neighbours program for MCC Canada, believes the discussions helped strengthen MCC's commitment to the issue. "We are now more committed to actions that bring the voices of the Cross Lake people into the range of more listeners. We also hope to motivate the parties that have the power to implement the Northern Flood Agreement in its broad intent. Benefits of hydroelectric production ought to be flowing back to those who have the most invested in it," he said.
While large hydroelectric development in the 1970s caused massive destruction to the Cree community's traditional way of life, the people of Cross Lake have not received compensation and alternative means of livelihood promised in the NFA.
Manitoba Hydro and various governments have argued over the years that they have done everything they can to meet their obligations. Yet in 1996, the federal government's "Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples" acknowledged that governments and Manitoba Hydro have failed to meet their legal obligations under the NFA.
MCC has initiated conversation with the government departments involved in the NFA.
MCC Canada invites others to contribute to the trust fund. Those wishing to do so are asked to contact MCC Manitoba, 204-261-6381 MCC Canada release
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