AMC Demands Face-to-Face Talks Between Manitoba Hydro and Pimicikamak Over Power Crisis

Press Release

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB (January 21, 2026) – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) stands with Chief David Monias and the people of Pimicikamak Cree Nation as families continue to endure a prolonged and preventable emergency.

At a moment when community members are displaced, exhausted, and searching for answers, Manitoba Hydro has chosen deflection over responsibility. Rather than being forthright from the outset, Hydro is now advancing new explanations for the power failure, explanations that were not raised until days after the crisis began. This shifting narrative is deeply troubling and raises serious questions about transparency, preparedness, and accountability.

Chief David Monias said the crisis has exposed long-standing failures in how northern First Nations are treated.

“This isn’t just a power outage, it’s a failure of respect. Our families deserve action and accountability, not excuses that fade once the lights come back on.”

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said the people of Pimicikamak deserve honesty, not excuses.

“Families in Pimicikamak are living through the real consequences of failure, cold homes, displacement, and uncertainty. The least they deserve is the truth. Attempting to shift blame in the middle of a crisis only deepens the harm and erodes trust.”

For decades, northern First Nations have carried the burden of Manitoba Hydro’s decisions, flooded lands, damaged infrastructure, and chronic underinvestment in the very communities that power this province. That history cannot be separated from the present moment. Now, in the middle of a life-threatening emergency, Hydro’s priority appears to be protecting its image rather than protecting the people it serves.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is calling for:

· An urgent, face-to-face meeting between Manitoba Hydro executives and Chief David Monias to directly address the failures and next steps

· Clear accountability for the failures that led to this crisis

· Respectful, direct communication with Chief Monias, Pimicikamak leadership, and affected families

· A comprehensive review of Manitoba Hydro’s emergency response protocols in northern First Nations

AMC will continue to stand with Pimicikamak Cree Nation as efforts continue to restore power, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and ensure evacuees can return home safely and with dignity.

For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

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