While tree clearing continues along the Millennium Trail as part of the wildfire protection work, one special tree has been reprieved for now.

Mayor Colleen Smook explained why on yesterday’s wildfire update here on 102.9 CHTM.

“While an operator was clearing the cut line, he spotted this tree with ribbons tied around it and recognized that there was a significance so he stopped. So in Indigenous and cultural practices, ribbons can be used to honor ancestors, mark sacred sites and send prayers to the Creator.”

The City of Thompson and Vale Manitoba Operations consulted with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the Keewatin Tribal Council for guidance on the tree’s spiritual significance and how to proceed in a culturally appropriate way if it was necessary to remove the tree.

Following these discussions, the decision was made to preserve the tree which is located near Vale’s pump house on the shores of the Burntwood River.