Kistike’win Wildfire Restoration
Where restoration takes root
Trees planted with purpose
Real wildfire restoration on land that wouldn’t come back on its own.
In 2021, a wildfire swept through the jack-pine forest at Devil’s Lake Kistike’win on Highway 6 in central Manitoba. The land sits outside any Forest Management Area — no mill, licensee, or government was legally obligated to replant. Without partnership, it would have stayed barren. Nekote LP — an Indigenous-led entity — originated the project. Natural Resources Canada’s 2 Billion Tree Program provided major funding. Blue Green Planet Project covered the operational shortfall. Five seasons in, 5.9 million trees are in the ground, and the 2022 plantings are already above knee height. The Devil’s Lake Kistike’win Reforestation Project was originated by Nekote LP — an Indigenous-led entity — and is led on the ground in partnership with seven First Nations contributing planting crews, seed collection, and stewardship: Misipawistik, Sapotawayek, Opaskwayek, Wuskwi Sipihk, Chemawawin, Puketawagan, and Mosakahiken. It also supports local capacity-building by creating equitable access to forest work, green jobs, and hands-on restoration experience for surrounding Swampy Cree communities. 2026 marks the first season with a full Cree planting crew at camp.
Our project partners
