Three Manitoba First Nations and the province of Manitoba have struck a deal to create a long-term forestry plan in the Swan Valley region, an agreement being called an act of economic reconciliation. The memorandum of understanding, announced Friday, calls for the provincial government, local First Nations and Louisiana-Pacific Canada to work together to create a 20-year forest management plan to protect treaty rights and jobs. It aims to put an end to a long and legally contentious matter in the Duck Mountains, Porcupine Provincial Forest and Kettle Hills area, between Lake Winnipegosis and the Saskatchewan border. “We fought hard for this agreement,” said Chief Derek Nepinak of Minegoziibe Anishinabe (formerly Pine Creek First Nation), one of three First Nations chiefs to sign the agreement. …Premier Wab Kinew said the agreement marks a significant moment and sets a new standard for the relationship between the province and First Nations.