Garden Hill First Nation facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Garden Hill
Indian reserve
Garden Hill First Nation
View of the community
Garden Hill Location in Manitoba
Country	Canada
Province	Manitoba
Region	Island Lake (Northern Manitoba)
Area  (2019)
• Land	73.573 km2 (28.407 sq mi)
Population
• Total	8,345
Languages	Oji-Cree and English

Garden Hill is a vibrant community located in Manitoba, Canada. It is one of the largest reserves in the Island Lake region.

The community, known as Garden Hill First Nations (or Kistiganwacheeng in Oji-Cree), is found in the northeastern part of Manitoba. It sits right on the shore of Island Lake.

In 2011, about 2,776 people lived in Garden Hill. Most residents speak both Oji-Cree and English. You can reach Garden Hill mainly by special ice roads in winter or by air. Other nearby communities on Island Lake include Wasagamack, St. Theresa Point, and the northern settlement of Island Lake.

A Look Back: History of Garden Hill

In the early 1900s, the community didn't have chiefs like today. Instead, they had leaders called "headmen." These headmen earned their respect by being generous, wise, and helpful. They were known for sharing what they had, not for keeping wealth. This was part of their beliefs and traditions.

One of the longest-serving leaders was Henry Fiddler. He was Chief for 22 years, from 1931 to 1953.

How Garden Hill Became Its Own Community

Garden Hill First Nations was once part of a larger group called the Island Lake band. This group signed an important agreement called Treaty 5 on August 13, 1909.

In 1969, the Island Lake band decided to split into four separate communities. These were Wasagamack, Red Sucker Lake, St. Theresa Point, and Garden Hill First Nations. Each community then had its own leaders.

Today, these four communities work together through a group called the Island Lake Tribal Council. They team up on projects and interests that are important to all of them.

Who Lives in Garden Hill?

In 2011, the population of Garden Hill was 2,776 people. This was a big jump from 2006, when there were 1,898 residents. The community has about 595 homes.

The land area is about 82.48 square kilometers. This means there are about 33.7 people living in each square kilometer. The average age of people in Garden Hill was 18.9 years old.

The Garden Hill First Nations Community

Garden Hill First Nations is a First Nations community. They are also a signatory of Treaty 5. As of February 2015, the Garden Hill First Nations had 4,567 registered members. About 3,918 of these members lived on the reserve, and 649 lived elsewhere.

The community chooses its leaders through a special system. Members elect a chief, a vice chief, and seven councillors.

Reserve Lands of Garden Hill First Nations

Garden Hill First Nations has seven different reserves. These are special areas of land set aside for the community. Here are some of them:

Learning in Garden Hill

There are two schools in Garden Hill for students. The elementary school is called Kistiganwacheeng Elementary School. The high school is named Garden Hill First Nation High School.

For students who go on to college or university, there's a special office in Winnipeg. This Garden Hill Student Services office helps students attending different schools after high school.

Gallery

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  Garden Hill looking north

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  Island Lake/Garden Hill

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  Island Lake Lodge dock

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  Garden Hill Health Centre