I want to congratulate and thank those who contributed to help Thompson RCMP and the City of Thompson Fire &Emergency Services collect close to $1,000 in donations for local charities, as well as enough new toys and food to fill an RCMP truck at the Stuff-a-Cruiser event in Thompson this past week. Everyone who took part assisted in ensuring a happy Christmas for many Northern Manitoba children and families again this year.
It was my pleasure to state at the Manitoba legislature this week that prior to the registered trapline system in the 1940s, the land around Thompson was used predominantly by traditional land user James Spence of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. Many of his descendants still live in the north. It was also my pleasure to recognize Cross Lake band member Henry Cook, who was born in Pikwitonei in 1926 and started trapping around Paint Lake at the age of 22.
Cook was a trapper in 1956 in the area of the great nickel discovery where Thompson is now located. After giving up his trapline in this area for the large-scale mining operation that was to come, Cook was instrumental in laying the groundwork for present-day Thompson. He spent much of his life working in the bush, and after working for mining and exploration companies throughout central and Western Canada and the Northwest Territories, he settled in Northern Manitoba where he helped others as a rehabilitation counsellor with the Addicitions Foundation of Manitoba.
Cook’s many contributions as a northern pioneer were recognized at Thompson’s Canada Day celebrations in 1979, when he was formally recognized as Thompson’s first resident. He passed away in 2000, leaving behind a legacy that connects past traditions to present-day Thompson.
In other news, our government has introduced legislation to strengthen watershed management. The Sustainable Watersheds Act is a major first step in our Manitoba Climate and Green Plan. It would become the most comprehensive watershed legislation in Canada, addressing challenges with flood protection while reducing harmful nutrients in our lakes and waterways, and improving Manitoba’s water quality.
Among the many benefits of the proposed legislation is a strengthening of the planning and management of watersheds to allow for agreements with Indigenous communities. Our government’s Sustainable Watersheds Act brings an effective and balanced approach to environmental and economic protection, and is a strong model for other jurisdictions to follow.
