MANITOBA LODGES AND OUTFITTERS ASSOCIATION
September 22, 2026
HANITOBA
MANITOBA LODGES AND OUTFITTERS ASSOCIATION
The Honourable Wab Kinew
Premier of Manitoba
The Honourable lan Bushie
Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures
Pimicikamak Okimawin Notice and Provincially Issued Licences
Dear Premier Kinew and Minister Bushie:
I am writing on behalf of the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association and its members regarding the public statement and "Notice to Licenced Moose Hunters" issued by Pimicikamak Okimawin concerning provincially issues moose-hunting licences in Game Hunting Areas 3 and ЗА.
The notice asks affected licence holders to return their licences to the Manitoba government and states that Pimicikamak Okimawin does not consent to their use within the Cross Lake Resource Area. It also relies on Article 15.3 of the Northern Flood Agreement, which refers to hunting, trapping and fishing by non-residents of the reserve who do not have a "present right at law" to undertake those activities.
Although the immediate issue involves moose licences, the broader wording of the notice raises questions about possible implications for other provincially licensed hunting, fishing and angling activities, as well as trapping. It also raises concern about whether similar challenges could arise elsewhere in Manitoba.
MLOA respects constitutionally protected Indigenous harvesting rights, the importance of the Northern Flood Agreement and the need for reconciliation, consultation and conservation. At the same time, licensed hunters, anglers, trappers, guides, outfitters and tourism businesses must be able to understand and rely on the licences, allocations and operating authorities issued by the Province.
While MLOA members are not directly affected by this particular notice, our concern is the precedent that may be established when a provincially issued licence is publicly challenged immediately before or during an active hunting season. Similar situations elsewhere could directly affect our members and their clients. Clear and timely provincial communication is therefore important so licence holders and industry organizations are not left to interpret competing legal claims on their own.
MLOA would appreciate clarification on the Province's response to the Pimicikamak Okimawin notice, including whether Manitoba continues to consider the affected moose licences valid. We would also appreciate the Province's perspective on whether the matter is confined to the area identified in the notice or could have implications for
provincially licensed hunting, fishing, angling or trapping elsewhere, and how affected licence holders and industry organizations would be informed if similar situations arise.
MLOA and its members support conservation, respectful relationships and lawful activity. We also value our constructive relationship with the Government of Manitoba. Our purpose in raising this matter is to remain informed about how the Province is responding and to ensure that we can keep our members informed if similar issues arise elsewhere.
MLOA looks forward to hearing the Province's perspective on this matter.
Sincerely,
Executive Director
Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association
