Analyzing the effects of the Fairford Dam on Lake St. Martin First Nation

• Main Author: Traverse, Myrle J.
• Language: English
• Published: 2007
• Subjects: The Narrows; anishina*; First Nations
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/1822

Lake St. Martin First Nation is an Anishinaabe community situated northwest of the Narrows at Lake St. Martin in central Manitoba. The land around Lake St. Martin has been affected by flooding since the early 1960's, soon after construction of the Fairford Dam on Lake Manitoba. Traditional activities of the First Nations communities of Lake St. Martin, Little Saskatchewan, and Fairford have been affected downstream by the Fairford Dam, along with the Fairford River, Pineimuta Lake, and Dauphin River. This research explored the historical water situation at Lake St. Martin; examined the First Nations perspective on water level changes over time; and analyzed water resource data for the region. Results indicated that the First Nations perspectives that water levels have increased as a result of the construction and operation of the Fairford Dam were supported by a hydrological analysis of water resource data. Recommendations respecting the situation are provided by collaboration, community consultations, alternative methods for the operation of the control structure, replacement of land base, and construction of permanent dikes.