Brokenhead Wetland Ecological Reserve Declared - 2005 June 24

On Friday June 24th, Premier Doer announced the creation of a new ecological reserve located just 70km north of Winnipeg near the southeast corner of Lake Winnipeg.  The Brokenhead Wetland Ecological Reserve is 563ha or three times the size of Assiniboine Park and is home to many rare and unusual plants including 28 species of native orchids.  NOCI has worked since 1998 to have this area protected and it was a happy day when we attended the ceremony at Brokenhead Ojibway Nation.  Our organization worked closely with Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, the Ecological Reserves Board, and other stakeholders to make this a reality.  There were many good omens that day; a bald eagle flew overhead during the ceremony and we saw a monarch butterfly as we started our walk at the entrance to the wetland.  These are just two of the rare animals that make their home in the Brokenhead Wetland.  Boardwalks are to be installed soon to allow public access to a portion of the wetland for the enjoyment and education of all Manitobans. 


Premier Gary Doer making the announcement


Councillors Bev Smith and Paul Chief of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation


Carl Smith, Cultural director of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, and President of Manitoba Model Forest


Doris Ames, President of NOCI, addressing the assembly


Elder Lawrence Smith of Brokenhead Ojibway nation


Spirit Sands group performing


Richard Reeves and Doris Ames with people on the first fieldtrip


Doris Ames with Premier Gary Doer and Conservation Minister Stan Struthers


Kelly-Anne Richmond, Peggy BainardAcheson, Doris Ames, Gary Doer, Stan Struthers, Richard Reeves


Doris Ames and Gary Doer


people on the second fieldtrip


Doris Ames, Eugene Reimer, Ellen Johannesen, John Neufeld


Map from MB Minister of Conservation; see his Disclaimer and Copyright Notice

Note: see also the Manitoba Government webpage on this new Ecological Reserve.