George Gordon First Nation facts for kids
| People | Cree and Saulteaux |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty 4 |
| Headquarters | Punnichy |
| Province | Saskatchewan |
| Land | |
| Main reserve | Gordon 86 |
| Other reserve(s) | |
| Land area | 150.757 km2 |
| Population (2019) | |
| On reserve | 1191 |
| Off reserve | 2561 |
| Total population | 3752 |
| Government | |
| Chief | Byron Bitternose |
| Tribal Council | |
| Touchwood Agency Tribal Council | |
The George Gordon First Nation is a community of Indigenous people in Saskatchewan, Canada. They are located near the village of Punnichy. This First Nation has about 3,752 members. Around 1,191 of them live on their own lands, called reserves. Chief Byron Bitternose is their leader. Their main land is the Gordon 86 reserve. This land was set aside for them by an agreement called Treaty 4.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
In 1874, an important agreement called Treaty 4 was made. This agreement was between Queen Victoria (representing the British Crown) and the Cree and Saulteaux First Nations. It was about land in their traditional territories.
On September 15, 1874, Kaneonuskatew, also known as George Gordon, was one of the first Indigenous leaders to sign this agreement. He signed as the Chief of the George Gordon First Nation.
By 1884, many families in the First Nation were farming. This started in 1876 and continued for many years. George Gordon and his son, Moses Gordon, were originally hereditary chiefs. This means leadership was passed down in their family. Today, the people of the First Nation vote for their chiefs and councillors.
The Gordon Indian Residential School
The George Gordon First Nation was home to the Gordon Indian Residential School. This was the longest-running residential school in Canada. The Anglican Church of Canada started a day school on Gordon’s Reserve in 1876. It grew in 1888 to include housing for students.
In 1929, a fire destroyed the school, but it was later rebuilt. The school faced problems with water and upkeep, causing it to close often between 1947 and 1953. It finally closed in 1996.
The residential school system is now seen as cultural genocide. This is because it tried to destroy Indigenous culture, languages, and religions. It also aimed to remove Indigenous children from their families and traditions. Today, the Gordon Recovery and Wellness Centre on the reserve helps and supports people who were affected by the residential school system.
Our Lands and Reserves
The George Gordon First Nation has several important land areas called reserves. These lands are vital to their community and heritage.
Their reserves include:
- George Gordon First Nation 86
- Gordon 86
- Last Mountain Lake 80A
- Treaty Four Reserve Grounds 77, which is shared with 32 other First Nations.
Programs and Services
The George Gordon First Nation offers many modern programs and services to its members. These help support the community in various ways.
They have a modern medical clinic and an education centre. There is also a computer centre, an arena, and a day care. The community also has the Gordon Retail Centre and the Buffalo Ranch Project.
Programs offered to members include the Residential School Recovery and Wellness Centre. They also have Brighter Futures and Gordon Social Development programs. Other important buildings include a band office, a fire hall, and a teachers' centre. There is also a gymnasium, a warehouse, a water treatment plant, and a machine shed.
Notable People
The George Gordon First Nation is home to many talented individuals.
- Lillian Dyck, a Canadian senator from Saskatchewan
- Mary Longman, a visual artist
- Arielle Twist, a poet
- Edward Poitras, an artist
