‘Nobody can answer questions’: RM of Alexander resident seeks clarity over Sagkeeng access sign

A new no trespassing sign placed by a Manitoba First Nation community in a rural municipality is prompting questions from residents. Harrison Shin

A new sign posted in a rural community is raising questions and concerns from local residents.

Aaron Wiebe, a resident in the Rural Municipality of Alexander, noticed a new sign on Wednesday as he was driving home.

“You can probably see the sign behind me here, saying that we are trespassing if we are in this area fishing, hunting, or even accessing – and this is within two minutes by driving of my home,” Wiebe told CTV News in front of the sign.

The sign, located at the junction of Provincial Roads 313 and 315, was installed by the Sagkeeng First Nation. It states that access to the territory requires prior approval from the First Nation’s chief and council.

Wiebe said he contacted the local, provincial and Sagkeeng governments asking for clarification.

“The local and provincial governments won’t give us any direction, Sagkeeng won’t give us any direction, and the sign remains standing. So I don’t know what to say or where to go from here on the matter.”

Tyler Freedy shares the same concern since he provides septic services in the area.

“I was just concerned about accessing the property, because of the trespassing warning on the sign. I service the community on a regular basis and I noticed ‘no trespassing,’ so I reached out to the band office and unfortunately I didn’t get any detailed information,” said Freedy.

The confusion was shared by area councillor Mac Kinghorn. In an email, Kinghorn said the sign was installed Wednesday afternoon.

“I was asked if I knew anything about the sign going up, which I did not. I followed up with the RM of Alexander administrative staff and they were not aware. Nobody had advised the RM that the sign was being installed,” Kinghorn stated.

He added that he contacted the area’s MLA, Wayne Ewasko, and MP James Bezan for “support and direction,” but is still waiting for their replies.

“I would like to give them (the residents) some answers, but like them, I am still waiting for an answer.”

CTV News reached out to the Sagkeeng First Nation but was told no one was available for an interview.

Manitoba’s minister of northern relations, Ian Bushie, told CTV News, in part, “I continue to maintain an open dialogue with Chief Fontaine and leadership in Sagkeeng First Nation to support responsible wildlife management and respect for Treaty rights.”

Wiebe said he understands why the sign was put up, but as a resident, he wants clarity.

“This is both sides that need to come together on this and figure out these issues, and the fact that nobody has dealt with the sign – nobody can answer questions for residents what this means … it just leaves us in a confusion.”