Pimachiowin Aki

World Heritage Site

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Remembering Ed “Eddie” Hudson

Eddie was a kind, thoughtful, and gentle leader of his community and the Pimachiowin Aki partnership. He served as Pimachiowin Aki Director for Poplar River First Nation from August 2009 until February 2026.

From the early days of the First Nations Protected Areas Accord all the way to inscription of Pimachiowin Aki by the World Heritage Committee, Eddie was there.

Eddie had a unique style, defined by pearl-snap button shirts, ornate belt buckles and cowboy boots.  When greeted in his community with, “Hello, cowboy,” Eddie would respond, “Hello, indian.” 

Eddie took care of a horse named Jimmy—the only horse ever in Poplar River that anyone remembers. Eddie would say to young people who came to see Jimmy, “Don’t wear red or he will bite you.”  This was his way of encouraging respect for Jimmy and keeping children safe around him.

Always a teacher when the student was ready, Eddie would say just enough to make you think for yourself. An Elder in the truest sense of the word.

He made immense contributions to protection and commemoration of this land, a legacy inherited from the past and valued enough today to leave for future generations.

Eddie is now on the other journey.  His memory and spirit will forever live on in Pimachiowin Aki.

Mino-bimaadiziwin giwii-izhiwebad

Official Obituary and Tribute Wall for Eddie

7 Days of Cultural Experiences

Photographer Ōtake Hidehiro shares notes and photos from his time in Poplar River First Nation.

1. Sunday

Evening | Arrival

I’m currently enjoying my stay comfortably at Sagatay Lodge in Poplar River.

As soon as I arrived, Ray came to pick me up, and we were happy to see each other again. I also got to see Sophia and Norway—everyone is doing well.

Of course, it was wonderful to see Paul again as well. His big smile is as charming as ever. He has become very successful as a comedian and now stars in and writes for the popular TV series Acting Good. He’ll be returning to Winnipeg tomorrow to continue filming Season 5.

I was also happy to make a new friend, Mumilaaq, who is from Baker Lake in Nunavut. In the evening, she drove me around town and showed me the area. The dock at Fishing Station was still frozen.

2. Monday 

Morning | Snowfall

I was surprised to wake up to a snowy landscape—winter seems long this year.

Evening | Dance Workshop

A family from Winnipeg who teaches dance arrived. They hold monthly workshops. The family consists of Tahnee Flett, the mother, and her children Dreyden and Jayden. They are originally from Opaskwayak Cree Nation but have lived in Winnipeg for 20 years.

Dreyden, from a young age, has been a Glassdance dancer and began using a sewing machine during COVID. He has explored everything from traditional regalia to high-fashion design, runs his own brand, models internationally—including in New York and Tokyo next month—and, I heard, has even received comments from Lady Gaga! The family travels to Indigenous communities, sharing teachings through dance.

The workshop, held at 7pm in the old school gym, lasted about two hours. It was the second session, with the first one taking place two weeks ago. 

The session included dances as an opening ceremony, warm-ups, Glass Dance, Jingle Dance, and Traditional Dance. Participants could choose which dances to practice, move to the drum rhythm, play a stopping game, and end with a closing dance.


The Flett Family will return in two weeks.

3. Tuesday

Afternoon | MMIWG 2SLGBTQI+ Event

We gathered at the school at 1pm for a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ event, which began with a drum performance.

I was given permission to take photos, and I considered it a great honour to be entrusted with that opportunity. 

After that, was the Norway Requiem, followed by a speech from Sophia, and several memorial speeches.

Students in grades 5–12 marched to the Band Office, while younger children marched around the school. I joined everyone and walked to the Band Office. There, I greeted the Chief, Council members, and office staff.

Back in 2012, I was asked to photograph portraits of Residential School survivors. Apparently, the book featuring those portraits is often used as school teaching material.

While the Band Office is currently being renovated and the portraits aren’t displayed, they were usually exhibited as panels. It was a great conversation starter to know I took them.

I also photographed John Charles McDonald and his grandson Edward Franklin at Weaver Lake in 2010, and I got to reconnect with Edward.

Evening | Duck Hunting

That evening, I went duck hunting with Desmond Batenchuk and Barry Bittern, departing from the other side of the Rapids. We fired at ducks whenever we saw them and got one bird early on.

We went further, set up decoys in the water, and made a blind.

We called ducks with sounds, and when they came close, we shot, getting two more.

On the way back, we shot whenever we spotted them, ending up with eight ducks in total.

4. Wednesday

Morning | Duck Cleaning

We met at Desmond’s house at 10am and quickly drove to a road that was originally planned as an all-season route to Poplar River.

At an open area along the way, we plucked the ducks and seared them over a fire. Redman Douglas came along to help.

Afterward, we returned home to clean the ducks. Desmond’s 14-year-old daughter Jana helped. She has been assisting since she was 6–7 years old, so she is very skilled.

We also separated the gizzards and hearts, washing the gizzards further before cooking them. The ducks were placed in a roasting pan with water and barley, without seasoning, and roasted at 350°F for 3–4 hours.

Afternoon | Fishing Nets

While waiting for the roast, we checked the fishing nets. We set off by boat from beside the house to inspect the nets. At this time of year, pickerel (walleye) also come to spawn, so we caught a lot—a good haul.

We kept a large pike and many pickerel, and counting the fish at the bottom of the boat, we filled four tubs.

We started cleaning the fish immediately.

Redman helped, and later Desmond’s daughter-in-law Heavenly and his wife Harmony joined us, so we divided the work. Processing fish is very much a community effort, with everyone helping wherever they can. Working together like this is simply part of daily life here. Friends and neighbours came to collect fish as well, reflecting a wonderful spirit of sharing.

Desmond has lived a life dedicated to fishing and hunting.

Born in 1980 at Big Black River, he worked hard with his mother growing up. In his childhood, there was no electricity or refrigerator, he told. After establishing a fishing base in Poplar River, he moved there. He often went trapping with Hubert Hudson (brother-in-law). With a basic supply of food, they would spend about a month in the woods, sourcing all other food locally. He ate beaver and caught rabbits. Desmond married Harmony in 2004, and they have six children. He is now 46 years old.

Evening | Roast Duck

The roast duck was ready, and Desmond’s grandson Axel (6 years old) loved it.

I enjoyed it too, with potatoes, gravy, and stuffing Desmond made as a side. It’s truly amazing to have such delicious, natural food sourced right next to your home.

5. Thursday

Morning | Snare Fishing

I went to Desmond’s house around 10am and his neighbor Perro gave me a slice of smoked walleye. It usually takes 5–6 hours to smoke. I had tried smoked whitefish before, but this was my first time tasting walleye, and it was very good. Perro had also started smoking a sucker that had been brined overnight. It is thick, so it takes more time to dry… maybe around 24 hours.

Desmond came home, and we headed to the rapids together. In the slower, swirling pools, we could see fish—northern pike and suckers.

According to Desmond, walleye should also be spawning upstream, but they were probably gathered in another part of the falls where the current was faster. Desmond tried to catch one by hand, but he couldn’t catch any.

Back in town, he bought a rabbit snare, which is a 20-gauge, 0.9 mm × 6.4 m golden wire. He made it into a loop and attached it to a 2.5 m aspen stick. Desmond said the last time he did this was around six years ago—just for fun.

Standing on a rock near the water, Desmond focused intently, like a hunter. At one point, he looked back, moved a stick quickly, and caught an impressively large pike! It was so fast!

He caught and released several more pike and suckers. It was amazing to see that he could catch fish without a hook or line. Desmond said you can use the same snare system to catch grouse.

When we returned home, Perro was cleaning the fish caught in the net. Apparently, he had caught about four tubs, and many people came by to get a share.

6. Friday

Morning | (Late) Eddie Hudson

Eddie Hudson’s funeral took place. Many family members had gathered, and I heard that numerous relatives had arrived in Poplar River the day before on six flights. A few days earlier, Norway had offered drumming and songs to help send Eddie’s spirit onward. I heard the service was quite lively. It was held at a Pentecostal church. The store and schools were closed.

Eddie’s passing made me reflect on the many years of friendship and connection that I have developed since my first visit to the Weaver Lake Healing Camp in 2010. It was there that I first met Ray, Sophia, Norway, and many others from the community, including Eddie.

I also remember watching the 2018 meeting in Bahrain live online when Pimachiowin Aki was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I was deeply moved when Eddie and Sophia hugged each other at that moment. The two of them made enormous contributions to the protection of this land. Rest in peace, Eddie.

Evening | Family Dinner

Norway had invited Mumilaaq and me for dinner, saying that his wife Cassandra’s meatloaf was the best in Poplar River. The meatloaf truly was excellent. Their daughter is there, along with their youngest child, Jake.

Jake was absorbed in professional wrestling figures handed down from his older brother. When I was little, professional wrestling was hugely popular in Japan too, but I was interested to see that professional wrestling continues to be enjoyed in Poplar River today.

After dinner, I walked along the beach with Mumilaaq. As distant clouds glowed with the colors of the sunset, an otter suddenly appeared!

7. Saturday

Afternoon | Around the Community

There was a Mother’s Day gathering starting at 1pm. When I went to Old School, Harmony, Desmond’s wife, and several familiar faces were preparing food. They were grilling a large amount of marinated beef steak.

I went to the Northern Store to put gas in the truck I had borrowed.

First, I paid at the register, then showed the receipt at the pump outside so they could authorize the fuel. Even 100 dollars only bought about 36 litres of gas.

I went to the rapids. It started snowing, and the wind was strong and cold. We could see suckers gathering below the falls. In the shallower water, there were many dorsal fins visible.

Just a few days earlier, that area had still been covered with ice.

The spawning may have started. I do not know whether it began at that exact moment or had already started somewhat earlier. New groups kept arriving one after another to spawn.

Evening | Dinner

In the evening, I had dinner with Ray and Sophia. Ray grilled steelhead for dinner, with corn and wild rice on the side. The wild rice was mixed with raisins. It was delicious.

After dinner, they showed me where the community grows vegetables. On the way there, they also showed me another store in town. It’s main branch is in Berens River, and this was their second location.

The person working there was from Finland and had only arrived this January. The shelves were not very full yet. Once the lake melts, supplies can be brought in by barge.

Sunday | Departure

The past days have been full of experiences and truly fulfilling. I landed at St. Andrews at 1:15pm. It is Mother’s Day.

Photos: © Ōtake Hidehiro

Up Next for Hide

Hide’s work will be featured in an upcoming exhibition in Toyama, Japan. Learn more here:
Camera Museum Exhibition Page

Hide will be giving several talks throughout Japan this summer and fall, sharing stories from his travels and photography. Follow: instagram.com/hidehirootake

5 Highlights from the AGM

The Pimachiowin Aki Assembly of Partners hosted our 20th  Annual General Meeting (AGM)  to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. Here are five highlights:

1. Sisters’ Memories from Pauingassi

“Come to Pauingassi First Nation: Live with us, teach our children English, have services with us.”

Neufeld family photos

That’s how Elder Wannacens invited the Neufeld family to the community in 1955. Sisters Carol and Lila shared memories of the 15 years they spent growing up there. Their family home became a hub of activity—helping with medical needs, repairs, and hosting children’s programs and family nights. They recalled boat trips, visits to Little Grand Rapids, playing outside, caring for their dolls in tikinagaans, and learning skills like sewing and beading. Old photos brought their stories to life, and their dad Henry treated us to a drum song in English and Ojibwe.

2. Sneak Peek: New Entrance Sign

Design mock up of the Pimachiowin Aki entrance sign

We shared a preview of Pimachiowin Aki’s new sign, which will be mounted on a large rock at the entrance site. The 30-foot sign will feature graphic panels with a wood-grain texture, Pimachiowin Aki and community logos, the words “The Land That Gives Life”, and a scene of the boreal forest with a canoe on the water. Thanks to the Province of Manitoba for designing a sign to represent the cultural and natural values of Pimachiowin Aki and welcome visitors to the World Heritage site.

Chosen site for the Pimachiowin Aki entrance sign

3. Preserving Our Place Names

Reviving and using these names helps preserve Indigenous languages, culture and history, and honours the first inhabitants of Manitoba.
—INDIGENOUS PLACE NAMES PRESENTATION, ROBERT BELTON, MANITOBA PROVINCIAL TOPONYMIST

Manitoba Provincial Toponymist Robert Belton invited communities to reach out if they are interested in having some or all of the place names made ‘official’ so the names can appear on Google Maps and future topographical maps. The Manitoba Geographical Names Program offers several additional supports:

  • GIS and cartography services
  • Workshops and meetings
  • Historic records  
  • Records of former place names/rescinded place names

Indigenous place names are often the oldest geographic markers in Manitoba. They reflect thousands of years of observation, travel, and connection to the land. Instead of naming places after people, many Indigenous names describe what the land looks like, how it’s used, or a story connected to that place. For example, the Ojibwe name Weenipagamiksaguygun—meaning “dirty looking water caused by mud or silt”—is now recognized as a third official name for Lake Winnipeg.

Robert explained that not all names need to be shared with government. For example, sensitive or sacred sites can remain private and do not have to be shared publicly. The program could also create public maps and community-only maps.

4. Historic Photos Tell Our Story

Pages from Pimachiowin Aki UNESCO World Heritage site nomination

Brian Carpenter, Curator of Indigenous Materials and Director of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR), shared how communities can work with the American Philosophical Society (APS) Library & Museum collections. APS holds thousands of photos, recordings, and other materials from over 650 Indigenous communities, including Pimachiowin Aki. We used historic photos from the collection in our UNESCO World Heritage site nomination, and several are featured on our website. APS is planning a 2027 exhibit on how Indigenous communities use archival materials, and Pimachiowin Aki may have the chance to take part and share how the photos supported our successful nomination.

5. Board of Directors Updates

We welcomed two new Directors this year: Enil Keeper, Little Grand Rapids First Nation, and and Rob Nedotiafko, Government of Manitoba. The AGM also marked a leadership transition for Poplar River First Nation, as long-serving Director Ed Hudson stepped down from his role. In his place, Norway Rabliauskas is serving as the community’s new Director.

Enil Keeper
Rob Nedotiafko

No Word for Goodbye

In Ojibwe, there is no word for goodbye. Dennis Keeper, Pimachiowin Aki Lands Guardian for Little Grand Rapids First Nation explains, “One day, Gwiigwiishi (Whiskeyjack, or Canada Jay) had to go somewhere and leave his family behind. He said he won’t be able to see them for a long time. This made him so sad that he made everyone forget the word ‘goodbye’.”

Instead, Anishinabeg acknowledge continuity in relationships and express hope for future encounters.

Gi-ga-waabamin miinawaa

I will see you again

waabamin

I will see you

miinawaa

again

aagaj

later

baanimaa apii

in a while/at a later time

Aangwaamizin

take care

Farewell at a Funeral

For a final farewell at a funeral, Anishinaabemowin carries a deeper spiritual meaning and an acknowledgment of the path the spirit is taking. Speakers may say, mino-bimaadiziwin giwii-izhiwebad, meaning: “May you have a good life on your journey.”

Photo © Don Sullivan

Grandpa’s Story: Gwiigwiishiwag

Stories from Bloodvein River

“We have our own community history,” says Pimachiowin Aki Director for Bloodvein River First Nation, William Young. It’s important to pass down knowledge, he reminds us. “We can teach our children and community members our true histories.”

How Bloodvein River Got its Name

“Bloodvein River got its name when our ancestors were camped at the mouth of the river and Sioux encroached looking for more land,” says William. “There was bloodshed on the river system, and it became known as Blood River. Later, Hudson’s Bay settled in the area and added ‘vein,’ like the red veins on the rock ridge, and that is how our community came to be called Bloodvein River.”

The Sacred Rock

There are many sacred sites in Bloodvein River First Nation ancestral lands. One area is known for a large rock. “When I first went there, the rock was not where it was supposed to be,” William recalls. “Instead, it was at the bottom of the river.” Later it returned to its original place, then disappeared again. While travelling a couple of kilometres away, William spotted the rock on the shoreline.

How does it move from one place to another? “Stories say that little rock people are tricksters.” William has brought Elders to the island, to honour the site together.  Ceremonies were held here in the past.

Stories like these need to be remembered and shared.

Photo: © Lorne Coulson

Year of Collaboration: 7 Highlights


This year, Pimachiowin Aki achieved several milestones that highlight the power of collaboration. Residents and visitors can now see new site signs, Guardians strengthened their skills through hands-on training, and communities are working to restore traditional place names for ancestral lands. We also welcomed new Board members, prepared to share our OUV in Anishinaabemowin, and launched our first online shop! These accomplishments reflect the dedication of communities and partners to care for the Land that Gives Life. Here are seven highlights:

1. New Signs on the Land

Photo: Gerald Neufeld

This summer, five new World Heritage Site signs appeared along PR 304, our very first in Manitoba! Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) worked with Pimachiowin Aki to design and install the signs, which mark the site boundary and help travellers find their way. These signs follow provincial road standards and UNESCO guidelines, making them official and built to last.

Pimachiowin Aki partners are grateful to everyone at MTI and UNESCO who helped bring this long-awaited project to life.

2. Guardians Complete 200-Hour Program

Photo: Melba Green

Pimachiowin Aki Guardians Melba Green and Owen Bear completed the intensive five-week Land Guardian Program through the Natural Resources Training Group. They attended lectures, trained in the field, learned to identify plants, birds, fish, wildlife and habitat, and sharpened their environmental monitoring skills.

The program strengthens the important work happening right now in Bloodvein River and Poplar River, provides opportunities for future employment in land management and environmental protection, and meets academic requirements for an Applied Biology Technician program.

Congratulations, Melba and Owen!  

3. New Leaders Join the Board

Enil Keeper

Enil Keeper
Little Grand Rapids First Nation has a new representative on the Board. Enil Keeper—former Chief, long-time Councillor, RCMP officer, assistant Conservation Officer, Home-School Coordinator, and lifelong learner—brings deep community knowledge and decades of experience to this position. Born on Sharpstone Lake and raised on the land, Enil has been part of the Pimachiowin Aki journey from the beginning. He follows Augustine Keeper, who contributed more than a decade of leadership and vision.

Rob Nedotiafko

Rob Nedotiafko
Rob Nedotiafko was appointed to represent the Government of Manitoba on the Board of Directors. Rob worked closely with Poplar River First Nation on the Asatiwisipe Aki Land Management Plan and now serves as Director of Parks for Manitoba Environment and Climate Change. He steps into the role held for 16 years by Bruce Bremner, whose dedication continues to shape our work today.

Waajiye/Welcome, Enil and Rob
Aapiji miigwech/Many thanks to Bruce and Augustine

4. Our OUV—Now in Anishinaabemowin

The translated OUV, still in its draft stage

Pimachiowin Aki’s Statement of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) will soon be available in Anishinaabemowin—in Roman orthography and syllabics. This translation, completed by Carol Beaulieu and supported with a grant from Parks Canada, brings the language of the land to this important UNESCO text.

The OUV explains why Pimachiowin Aki matters to the world and has cultural and natural significance for all peoples, now and for future generations.

The translated version will be shared on our website and with schools once approved by Pimachiowin Aki partners. Please contact your Director if you would like to review the draft statement.

Outstanding Universal Value means cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity. As such, the permanent protection of this heritage is of the highest importance to the international community as a whole.

—para. 49, Operational Guidelines for Implementation of the World Heritage Convention

Carol shares her story about the translation process > Guided by Teachings—Carol’s Approach to Translation

5. Bringing Traditional Place Names Back to the Map

Mapping in Little Grand Rapids First Nation

Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi First Nations continued their Traditional Place Names Projects this year, working with Elders, knowledge keepers, Manitoba’s Provincial Toponymist, and a Master’s student. Draft maps are now ready for community review—the moment where Elders confirm spellings, stories, and accuracy.

Once complete, maps will be shared in schools and community spaces. The First Nations will also decide which names to make official so they can appear on Google Maps and future topographical maps.

Miigwech to Manitoba’s Lands and Planning Branch for providing GIS mapping support and helping this project grow.

Excerpt from Pauingassi First Nation
Excerpt from Little Grand Rapids First Nation

6. A Top Score for Pimachiowin Aki

Photo: Melba Green

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Heritage Outlook assesses the health of natural and mixed World Heritage Sites every 3–5 years. In 2025, Pimachiowin Aki received the highest possible conservation outlook.

Drawing on insights from hundreds of experts and partners, this global assessment tracks the state of conservation of all natural and mixed World Heritage sites and raises awareness of their importance. It also serves as an early warning system, helping identify threats and guide actions needed to safeguard the world’s wonders.

Pimachiowin Aki’s outlook is a powerful reminder that when communities, governments, Guardians, and supporters work together, we can protect one of the world’s most important ecosystems and cultural landscapes. The full report is available here: https://worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org/explore-sites/pimachiowin-aki

7. Our New Online Shop

Page from Obaawingaashiing Gichi-Aabijitaawinan – The Pauingassi Collection

Pimachiowin Aki has launched an online store! For now, supporters who donate $300 or more to the Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation receive a copy of Obaawingaashiing Gichi-Aabijitaawinan – The Pauingassi Collection as a thank-you gift. Miigwech to everyone who made this possible, including:

  • Maureen Matthews, Elaine and Joshua Owen, (late) Roger Roulette, and Carol Beaulieu for creating the book
  • Manitoba Museum for publishing the book as part of the Nametwaawin Outreach Project funded by Heritage Canada with a contribution from Pimachiowin Aki
  • A donor-advised fund at The Winnipeg Foundation for a significant contribution toward the cost of printing the books
  • Peaceworks Technology Solutions for programming our new Shop page
  • Everyone who invested in Pimachiowin Aki this year through your donations, grants to our programs, and in-kind contributions. We thank you for placing your trust in us to steward these resources and maximize their impact

Every Dollar Helps Protect Pimachiowin Aki
In the future, we hope to offer books, maps, posters, and even branded apparel directly through the Shop to support our programs.

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