Shoal Lake 40 First Nation facts for kids
The Shoal Lake 40 First Nation is a community of Ojibway people. They are a First Nation group in Canada. Their reserve is located in both Manitoba and Ontario. In August 2021, about 667 people were registered members of the First Nation. Around 295 of them lived on the reserve.
This First Nation community lives on an island that was created by people. For a long time, the only ways to reach it were by barge in summer or by ice road in winter. Now, a new road connects the community to the main highway. This road makes it much easier for people to travel all year round.
The community has basic services like a local elementary school up to Grade 8. They also have some small shops and places for fun activities.
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History of Shoal Lake 40
Water for Winnipeg and Shoal Lake 40
In 1915, the City of Winnipeg took over 33,000 acres of land from Shoal Lake 40. They needed this land to get fresh water for their city. They built a large water channel called an aqueduct. This construction project also dug up old burial grounds, moving human remains.
Years later, in 1980, Shoal Lake 40 wanted to build cottages near Indian Bay. The City of Winnipeg was worried this would make their drinking water unsafe. After many discussions, they reached an agreement in 1989. The City of Winnipeg put $6 million into a trust fund for Shoal Lake 40. This money was meant to help the First Nation develop other projects.
Because of the water concerns, Shoal Lake 40 had to start bringing in water by boat or truck. This was very expensive. In 1997, an official warning was issued about their drinking water. In 2011, a plan for a new water treatment plant was too costly. So, the First Nation suggested building an all-weather road instead. This road would help them get water and other supplies safely all year.
Building Freedom Road
Shoal Lake 40 worked with a nearby town in Manitoba called Reynolds. They both wanted the government to build an all-weather road. This road would connect the First Nation to the main Trans-Canada Highway. In the past, the community got many supplies by train. The train went to the water intake site, also known as Waugh Station.
In 2015, the government agreed to pay for the road's design. However, they did not promise to pay for the actual building of "Freedom Road." Earlier that year, the community's ferry boat failed its safety check. This led the local leaders to declare a state of emergency. Later, money was approved, and construction of the new road began in spring 2017.
Freedom Road was finished in June 2019. This road reconnected the community to the rest of Canada. It made it easier for emergency services to arrive. It also helped transport waste out and allowed residents to get health services outside the community.
Clean Water for the Community
On September 15, 2021, a new water treatment plant opened on the reserve. This plant cost 33 million CAD. It finally gave the community access to clean drinking water. The building of Freedom Road helped lower the cost of this new water plant.
Shoal Lake 40 Reserves
The Shoal Lake 40 First Nation has three different land areas, called reserves:
- Shoal Lake 40: This is their main reserve, covering about 2,579 hectares. It includes the community of Indian Bay, Manitoba.
- Shoal Lake 34B2 Indian Reserve: This reserve is 172.4 hectares in size.
- Agency 30 Indian Reserve: This reserve is 379 hectares. It is shared with 12 other First Nations.
Community Leaders
The Shoal Lake 40 First Nation chooses its leaders through a special election system. The Chief and Councillors serve for two-year terms.
Chief and Council (2014–Present)
- Chief: Erwin Redsky
- Councillors: Brenda Freel, Herbert Green, Vernon Redsky, and Billy Wahpay.
Media Spotlight
Shoal Lake 40 was featured in a special 360° documentary film called "Cut-Off VR." This film allowed viewers to experience Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to Shoal Lake 40. The film was made by Vice and Occupied VR. It was even nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Immersive Experience.
