Originally published in Lake of the Woods Area News, Volume 55, Number 5, Winter 2025
PROVINCIAL
Manitoba and First Nations sign Memorandum of Understanding to twin highway near Ontario border
The Province of Manitoba and a coalition of Kenora-area First Nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to begin twinning a section of the Trans-Canada Highway near the Ontario border.
The agreement, announced August 12, covers roughly 16 kilometres of Highway 1 from the border west to Provincial Road 301 near Falcon Lake. The project is being developed with the Niiwin Wendaanimok Partnership, which represents Wauzhushk Onigum, Washagamis Bay, Shoal Lake 40, and Niisaachewan Anishinaabe First Nations.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew joined Treaty #3 leaders for the signing ceremony, which included Indigenous protocols. Planning will be guided by the Great Earth Law (Manito Aki Inakonigaawin), ensuring environmental and cultural priorities are considered.
The twinning aims to improve safety, reduce travel times, and strengthen economic connections along one of the country’s busiest transportation routes. Premier Kinew noted Manitoba is eager to “catch up to, and maybe even surpass,” Ontario’s progress on its side of the border.
The MOU is being called historic for its emphasis on First Nations’ consent and co-leadership in the project’s planning and development.
