This webpage serves as a rich educational resource, offering insights derived from extensive research initiatives that have examined the long-term effects of hydropower development. Through years of study, experts have explored the complex and ongoing environmental, social, and health impacts associated with decades of hydropower operations. The information presented here reflects a comprehensive understanding of these issues, providing valuable knowledge to researchers, policymakers, and the general public seeking to grasp the broader implications of hydropower on ecosystems, communities, and public well-being.
Wa Ni Ska Tan: Challenging the Harms of Hydroelectric Dams
This podcast 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.
People of Interest
This podcast provides an update on the Churchill railway flood-out situation in Northern Manitoba, where many residents are examining water levels and their firsthand experiences. The discussion delves into growing concerns that Manitoba Hydro may have opened floodgates to safeguard the Keeyask generating station, potentially causing widespread flooding in the Churchill/Nelson basin. The episode highlights local perspectives, evidence, and the broader implications of these events on communities in the region.
More articles
Manitoba Hydro needs plan for excess power production. (2017). Winnipeg Free Press
Rogue Hydro needs to learn who’s boss. (2017). Winnipeg Free Press
Access presentations
- Ballard, M. (November, 2018). “But Water is Life. Then why has water become a threat to life: Exploring colliding value systems during a man-made emergency during the flood of 2011.” Healing our Spirits Worldwide. Sydney, Australia.
- Cariou, W. (June, 2019). “Breaking Colonial Circuits: Hydroelectricity in Indigenous Literature and Oral Stories”. Indigenous Literary Studies Association, 5th Annual Gathering, Indigenous Literary Arts of Truth and Redress as part of the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Unceded Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəyə̓ m) Territory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.
- Ducharme, S. (April, 2019). “Advocating for change after generations of loss”. As part of side event “Manitoba Cree: Hydro Dams, Treaties, and Human Rights”. United Nations Forum on Indigenous Issues. United Nations. New York, New York, USA.
- Dysart, L. (April, 2019). ““Hunting for hope: Advocating for the community as a hydro-impacted hunter, trapper, fisherman”. As part of side event “Manitoba Cree: Hydro Dams, Treaties, and Human Rights”. United Nations Forum on Indigenous Issues. United Nations. New York, New York, USA.
- Grima, V. (June, 2017). “Indigenous Knowledge, hydro and mapping’ and also included a poster presentation ‘Hydroelectrical Generation Project for Northern Manitoba”. 4th Annual First Nation Water Rights Research Conference. Create H2O. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
- Grima, V. (March, 2017). “Hydro-electrical Generation Project for Northern Manitoba: Understanding its evolution”. Rising Up: Indigenous Knowledge and Indigenous Research. Indigenous Student Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Halcrow, B. L. (April, 2019). “Ignoring local governance and leaving empty promises: How Manitoba and Canada failed Pimicikamak Cree Nation in the face of hydro”. As part of side event “Manitoba Cree: Hydro Dams, Treaties, and Human Rights”. United Nations Forum on Indigenous Issues. United Nations. New York, New York, USA.
- Kamal, A. G. and Linklater, R. (November, 2016). “Ithinto Mechisowin (food from the land) program: A wise practice approach to achieve Indigenous food sovereignty.” International Indigenous Research Conference. Aukland, New Zealand.
- Kulchyski, P. (May, 2019). “fighting hydro: fifty years of resistance on the nelson and churchill rivers”. Canadian Association of Geographers Annual Meeting. Winnipeg, Manitoba.
- Kulchyski, P. and Jacobson-Konefall, J. (April, 2018). “the Long Walk of the Footprints, Part One and Part Two”. XII International Seminar on Canadian Studies. Canadian Studies Centre, University of Holguin. Hoguin, Cuba.
- Lovell, J. (August, 2018). “Indigenous and Western knowledge systems in northern Manitoba: animals and humans in shared spatial territories”. 2018 Royal Geographers of Great Britain Annual Conference. Cardiff, Wales
- McLachlan, S. (Oct, 2019). “Ecological Justice, Hydropower, and Cross-Cultural Land-Based Education”. Manitoba Educators for Social Justice. Gordon Bell High School. Winnipeg, Manitoba.
- Neckoway, R. (May, 2019). “Critical Reflections on Hydropower in Manitoba”. Canadian Association of Geographers Annual Meeting. Winnipeg, Manitoba.
- Neckoway, R. (April, 2019). “Raised on a devastated landscape”. As part of side event “Manitoba Cree: Hydro Dams, Treaties, and Human Rights”. United Nations Forum on Indigenous Issues. United Nations. New York, New York, USA.
- Peyton, J. (April, 2018). “Resource Histories and the Political Ecology of Failure in Canada’s North”. Association of American Geographers. New Orleans, USA.
