Checkpoint controversy deepens as Bloodvein members call for removal

By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun The Manitoba Wildlife Federation is renewing its call for a controversial highway checkstop near Bloodvein River First Nation to be moved onto reserve land, as a dispute over hunting access takes a new turn following allegations that a provincial minister offered economic development funding while seeking the checkpoint’s relocation. Bloodvein Chief Lisa Young told the Winnipeg Free Press that Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie offered up to $250,000 for economic development during a private conversation in September, while also indicating the First Nation would receive a letter directing it to move the checkstop off a provincial highway. Young said she felt she was being pressured and interpreted the offer as a bribe. Bushie denied offering money in exchange…

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