Two First Nations leaders are joining the boards that oversee the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway, giving northern Manitoba communities a stronger voice in the region’s key trade infrastructure.
Chief Leroy Constant of York Factory First Nation has been appointed to the OneNorth Board after being nominated by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak at its recent General Assembly. He replaces Chief Darryl Wastesicoot, who has retired.
John R. McKenzie of Opaskwayak Cree Nation has been appointed to the Arctic Gateway Group Board of Directors, replacing OCN Chief Michael Constant, who remains on the OneNorth Board.
OneNorth is the ownership group that represents 41 Indigenous and northern Manitoba communities and fully owns Arctic Gateway Group. It is that company that owns and operates the Port of Churchill, Canada’s only Arctic seaport with rail access, as well as the Hudson Bay Railway running from The Pas to Churchill.
McKenzie is currently the Executive Director of Infrastructure with Opaskwayak Cree Nation and brings experience in water and wastewater systems, housing, facilities, community services and major infrastructure projects.
The appointments come as the Port of Churchill is seeing its most diversified shipping season in history, with grain exports resuming in July for the first time since 2020, alongside critical minerals, potash, and supplies for Nunavut. For residents of northern Manitoba, the changes mean the communities closest to the rail corridor and port will have direct representation in decisions about infrastructure that connects them to broader trade routes and economic opportunities.
