When Manitoba (the Crown) issued leases and licenses to three peat mining companies (Sunterra, Berger, Sungro) it did not consult with the First Nations in the region. Recently two peat mining licenses were re-issued in the Washow Peninsula, a kidney for Lake Winnipeg.

Peguis First Nation, Fisher River First Nation and Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation are requesting an immediate moratorium on all leases and licenses for peat mining operations in the Interlake. Furthermore, the three First Nations are requesting that all peat mining leases and licenses in the Interlake be revoked.