Shoal Lake 40 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shoal Lake 40
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| Shoal Lake Indian Reserve No. 40 | |
 Shoal Lake 40
Location in Canada
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| Country |  Canada |
| Provinces |  Ontario,  Manitoba |
| District / Division |
Kenora / Division 1 |
| First Nation | Shoal Lake 40 |
| Area | |
| • Land | 26.21 km2 (10.12 sq mi) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 101 |
| • Density | 3.9/km2 (10/sq mi) |
| Website | www.shoallake40.ca |
Shoal Lake 40 is a special place called a First Nation reserve. It sits right on the edge of two Canadian provinces, Manitoba and Ontario. This community is located on the beautiful shores of Shoal Lake. It is one of the reserves belonging to the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation people.
Contents
What is Shoal Lake 40?
Shoal Lake 40 is a land area set aside for a specific First Nation group. These lands are protected and belong to the community. This reserve is unique because it crosses the border between two provinces. It is mainly in Ontario but also touches Manitoba.
Where is Shoal Lake 40 Located?
The reserve is found on the shores of Shoal Lake. This lake is important because it is a source of drinking water for the city of Winnipeg. The community's location has played a big part in its history and challenges.
Who Lives in Shoal Lake 40?
The people who live in Shoal Lake 40 are members of the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. They are part of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway) people. Like many First Nations, they have a rich history and culture. The community works to preserve its traditions and language.
Life in Shoal Lake 40
Life in Shoal Lake 40 has faced many challenges over the years. The community's location, surrounded by water, has made it hard to connect to the outside world. For a long time, there was no permanent road to the reserve.
The Importance of Shoal Lake
Shoal Lake is a large lake that provides water to the city of Winnipeg. Over 100 years ago, a water intake system was built. This project changed the lake and the lives of the Shoal Lake 40 community. It led to the creation of an artificial island where many community members lived.
The "Freedom Road" Project
For many years, the community was isolated. They had to use a ferry in summer and an ice road in winter to get to the mainland. This made it difficult to access services like healthcare and education. It was also hard for businesses to grow.
Because of these challenges, the community campaigned for a permanent road. This road, often called "Freedom Road," was completed in 2017. It connects Shoal Lake 40 to the Trans-Canada Highway. This road has greatly improved daily life for the residents. It helps them access supplies, jobs, and services more easily.
Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
The Shoal Lake 40 First Nation is the group of people who call this reserve home. They are a self-governing community. This means they make decisions about their own land and people. They work to improve the well-being of their members.
Community and Culture
The people of Shoal Lake 40 are proud of their heritage. They work to keep their language, traditions, and ceremonies alive. The community often holds events to celebrate their culture. They also focus on educating their youth about their history.
Working for the Future
The Shoal Lake 40 First Nation continues to work towards a better future. They aim to build a strong economy and ensure their community has access to all necessary services. The "Freedom Road" was a big step in this journey. They are also working on projects to improve housing, water systems, and other important parts of their community.
