Photo: Tataskweyak Cree Nation says new independent research confirms Manitoba Hydro’s Churchill River Diversion has caused decades of environmental harm, particularly to sacred lake sturgeon. They are calling for changes to water management, stronger regulatory oversight, and shared stewardship rather than an end to hydro operations. / Supplied photoBy Steven SukkauLocal Journalism Initiative ReporterWinnipeg SunTataskweyak Cree Nation says independent scientific research confirms decades of environmental damage to the lower Churchill River caused by Manitoba Hydro operations, particularly impacts to lake sturgeon populations. The research concludes Manitoba Hydro has the technical capacity to operate the diversion in a way that better aligns with natural river flows and protects fish habitat, while still generating electricity, community leaders said. Tataskweyak Cree Nation is not calling for hydro development to cease, she said, but is urging Manitoba Hydro to manage water flows in closer alignment with natural seasonal patterns.