The Manitoba Government, the Government of Canada, and the Seal River Watershed Alliance signed an assessment concluding that establishing a protected area in the Seal River Watershed of northern Manitoba is feasible. This marks a major milestone in the effort to sustain one of the largest intact watersheds left in the world.

The Alliance is committed to collaborating with partners, stakeholders, and neighbours. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Land Guardians help care for the Seal River Watershed in northern Manitoba—one of the largest intact watersheds left in the world. As Land Guardians, we see ourselves as caretakers, entrusted with preserving this watershed’s health and vitality. It is our responsibility to ensure this landscape remains vibrant and resilient for generations to come. 

A Dene-Dakota woman from the Sayisi Dene First Nation and a skilled executive with nearly two decades of experience in human resources and organizational development, Zamora brings welcome knowledge and expertise to the Alliance.

Land Guardians, Elders, and Land Users partner on a study that shows the Seal River Watershed is a haven for migratory birds in a time when birds are losing habitat elsewhere.

The Seal River Watershed Alliance believes that having more data about where seals travel upriver will help us better track what’s happening in our territory. That’s why Land Guardians participated in a seal monitoring project with partners.

It is with great sadness that we share about the passing of our founder, Ernie Bussidor. We send our deepest sympathies to his family and wide circle of friends. It was Ernie’s love of the land, our culture, and the caribou that helped launch the Seal River Watershed Alliance and advance our Nations’ shared vision to create an Indigenous Protected Area.

Representatives from the SRWA, four First Nations, Manitoba Government, and Government of Canada signed a memorandum of understanding that includes conducting a feasibility study for the Indigenous Protected Area and an interim land withdrawal from mining claims while the study is underway.

The Seal River Watershed is a critical migratory route and breeding grounds for a huge number of birds and waterfowl. But there are huge gaps in western scientific data about birds that migrate here. SRWA Land Guardians can help fill in the missing information.

They taught me so much about how to use every part of the caribou. That’s what ethical harvesting is all about: There is no wastage. All the meat gets eaten by community members, and we took the hides and turned them into drums. It’s good to learn these skills.

The Seal River Watershed Alliance will present at the United Nations Water Conference in New York City March 22-24. SRWA will share about our vision for creating an Indigenous Protected Areas to conserve the watershed—home to waters so clean we can drink right out of the lakes and streams.

The Advisory Committee helps guide the work of the alliance, offering recommendations to our board of directors as we navigate the path of protecting the watershed. It was an honour to meet with them and feel their love and support.  

These graphic images capture some of the rich conversations we had during the first Seal River Watershed Alliance’s Advisory Committee meetings in Winnipeg in January.

The Seal River Watershed Alliance, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Manitoba have committed to working together to conduct a feasibility study towards establishing an Indigenous Protected Area in the watershed.

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.