This page provides a myriad of resources developed from comprehensive research on the long-term impacts of hydropower development. Through years of study and collaboration, the Wa Ni Ska Tan team has explored and documented the complex and ongoing environmental, economic, cultural, and health impacts on Indigenous communities associated with decades of hydropower operations. The information presented here reflects a comprehensive understanding of these issues, providing valuable knowledge and insights to governments, policymakers, industry, and the general public seeking to grasp the broader implications of hydropower on ecosystems, Indigenous communities, and well-being.
Funded research and community projects represent a diverse and deeply rooted effort to support Indigenous sovereignty, environmental justice, and community well-being in Northern Manitoba. From food and legal empowerment to storytelling, education, and ecological research, each initiative uplifts local voices and traditional knowledge systems in response to the impacts of hydro development. Together, they reflect a collective movement toward reconciliation, cultural resurgence, and sustainable futures.
Wa Ni Ska Tan: Challenging the Harms of Hydroelectric Dams features an interview with Dr. Ramona Neckoway and Dr. Stephane McLachlan, two researchers studying the environmental and social impacts of hydroelectricity projects on Indigenous communities in Manitoba. They discuss Wa Ni Ska Tan, and challenge the common perception of hydroelectricity as a purely “green” energy source, highlighting its destructive effects on ecosystems, land, and Indigenous ways of life. The podcast also explores the importance of centering Indigenous voices in decision-making and the need for equitable collaborations between impacted communities and researchers.
Amid a wave of hydro development in the 1970s, Manitoba Hydro and the province promised Cree communities prosperity. Instead, people were displaced from their lands, traditional economies were decimated, and many communities were plunged into poverty.
A half century later, southerners continue to benefit from the maze of dams along the Nelson and Churchill rivers and their tributaries. Most Cree communities have accepted compensation from Manitoba Hydro, and some have even become partners in recent projects like the Wuskwatim and Keeyask dams.
When the water goes up behind the $8.7-billion Keeyask Dam in northern Manitoba, one family will lose more than any other. This short documentary, filmed by Brad Leitch, combines their story with the story of Ellen Cook who grew up in the shadow of another dam and imagines a future beyond concrete.
In Our Backyard: Keeyask and the Legacy of Hydroelectric Development examines the Keeyask dam and development on the Nelson River through the perspectives of Indigenous peoples, scholars, scientists, and regulators. Building on the 2012 Clean Environment Commission hearings, it highlights often-overlooked Indigenous voices and informs ongoing decisions and research on resource development. The book explores impact assessments, Indigenous laws and worldviews, economic considerations, monitoring models, and the social, cultural, and ecological effects of development.
This report critically examines Manitoba Hydro’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Manitoba–Minnesota Transmission Project (MMTP) through a cross-cultural and socio-environmental lens. It argues that key elements of the EIS are insufficient, particularly in how it addresses valued components, cumulative effects, and adaptive management. The analysis highlights shortcomings in the project’s environmental protection, monitoring, and mitigation strategies, as well as serious concerns regarding the depth and quality of engagement with the public—especially with affected First Nations and Métis communities, whose knowledge and experiences are vital yet underrepresented in the assessment process.
Presentations explore the dynamic relationships between people, place, and the environment—drawing on Indigenous knowledge systems, community-based research, and sustainable practices. From the sacred significance of water in First Nations worldviews to innovative approaches in conservation, land stewardship, and geospatial research, each presentation highlights unique pathways toward ecological responsibility and cultural resilience. Together, they reflect a shared commitment to justice, sustainability, and respectful coexistence with the natural world.
Supported student research focuses on Indigenous-led exploration of environmental, legal, health, and cultural issues in communities affected by hydro development and colonization. Student research projects examine the harmful impacts of dams on ecosystems and wellbeing, as well as legal pathways toward justice and revenue sharing. Many students address food and water sovereignty, and the critical importance of culturally grounded health frameworks. Others emphasize the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems with Western science, promoting decolonized approaches to research and governance. Collectively, this work empowers Indigenous voices and imagines more just, sovereign, and sustainable futures
Events span a wide spectrum—from conferences and land-based camps to public rallies, regulatory hearings, and advocacy campaigns. Together, they promote Indigenous leadership, environmental justice, water sovereignty, and cultural revitalization through knowledge sharing, policy engagement, and community action. Each type of event plays a role in building awareness, fostering connection, and driving change.
