Brief

Bloodvein chief says minister offered $250,000 to drop highway checkpoint

Chief Lisa Young says the offer came in a private September conversation and was tied to a letter directing the checkpoint's removal.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:00:26 GMT

Bloodvein River First Nation chief Lisa Young told the Winnipeg Free Press that Manitoba minister of Indigenous Futures Ian Bushie offered up to $250,000 for economic development while urging her to dismantle a highway drug‑and‑alcohol checkpoint that hunters say has disrupted moose‑hunting season.

Young said Bushie raised the money in a private conversation in September and warned that the First Nation would receive a letter directing it to move the checkpoint because it sits on a provincial highway. She described the discussion as a "bribe," adding, "I really felt like I was being pushed into a corner. I also felt that I was being bribed," and quoted Bushie as saying, "And I’m not bribing you." Young said she called the First Nation’s lawyer after the call to discuss the proposal.

According to the article, Bloodvein initially set up the checkpoint on its access road in May 2025 to stop drugs and alcohol from entering the reserve. The checkpoint has drawn criticism from moose hunters who say it blocks access to hunting grounds.

In response, Bushie issued a statement on Tuesday saying he had held talks with Bloodvein leadership about improving residents’ lives and that he would continue those conversations. The statement read, "Our government has committed to working with First Nations on every area to improve matters."

During question period in the Manitoba legislature earlier that day, Tory leader Konrad Narth criticized the government’s handling of the issue, though the article cuts off before detailing his remarks.

Key facts

Chief Lisa Young says minister Ian Bushie offered up to $250,000 to remove the checkpoint. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The offer was made in a private September conversation, according to Young. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Bloodvein River First Nation established the checkpoint in May 2025 to curb drugs and alcohol. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Bushie’s statement said the government is committed to working with First Nations. (winnipegfreepress.com)