Big River first nation is rich with the abundant natural blessings of vast clean water supplies and thickly forested hunting grounds. The Big River area beckoned to the earliest of Cree ancestors.
The name “Big River” is a direct translation from the Cree name of “Oklemow-Cee-Pee”, apparently given to the present-day Cowan River, where one band of Cree people had established camp.
The earliest Big River Cree settlers are believed to be direct descendants from the American Dogrib and Wood Indians of Athabaska. In 1878, Chief Se-Se-Wa-Hum officially signed Treaty No. 6, where after, members of their band continued to earn their livelihood through hunting and fishing into the early 1900’s.
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Geography
Big River First Nation (BFRN), situated 120 kilometers northwest of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, neighbors the towns of Debden, Big River and Spiritwood.
Also known by the name of “Whitefish”, the community boasts a large population with many members currently residing on-reserve.
Covering an area of nearly 30,000 acres, Big River First Nation is a member of the Agency Chiefs Tribal Council, Treaty No. 6. The area is conducive to sustaining a stable economy of agriculture, forestry and fishing.
Arts and Culture
With an emphasis on tradition, Big River First Nation fosters and encourages the use of their ancestral Cree language, both in their community and their schools.
Through their continuation of ancient ceremonial practices such as the sacred Sundance, and their participation in hosting and attending local pow wows, Big River first nation is progressive in honoring and maintaining valued Cree customs.
The band council is also highly committed to the ongoing development of self-government and managing the affairs of the reserve.
Big River first nation is the home of talented artist Hubert Whitefish, and Big River Cree, a popular twenty plus member singing group performing since the early 1990’s.
The Whitefish Juniors, nominated for the 2003 Best Hand Drum Album of the Year, were celebrated in their 2004 Juno performance with award-winning Nelly Furtado.
Achievements and Progress
Resolute in sustaining a prominent Cree influence, Big River First Nation has incorporated a Cree Language and Culture Program in both the Mistahisipiy elementary and Se-Se-Wa-Hum high school, with infant and child daycare services also available.
School nutrition programs are in place through the assistance of a certified dietitian.
An on-reserve housing program supported by AC (Agency Chiefs) Realty and home renovation program is available to members upon application.
Big River First Nation provides a fully operational dental and health clinic, complete with a Home Care Program for the chronically ill, a broad selection of community based health and well-being programs, and the NNADAP Program, in place for addictions counseling.
An RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) detachment is located at Big River first nation.
For members requiring judicial assistance, access to the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Court-worker Program is available. Also upon special request, “Cree Court” services are provided to its members.
The Whitefish Arena plays host to a roster of year-round indoor and outdoor sporting events which community members are highly active in. Home to local radio station, 95.7 FM, regional sporting events are regularly broadcast.
Additional highlights in Big River First Nation are an Elders’ program, an employment service and fitness centre, water treatment plant, fire hall, and the Miami Gas Bar and convenience store.
Just the facts please
Current Statistics
Source: 2006 (Statistics Canada Census)
2006 Population……………………………………1,437
2001 Population……………………………………1,225
Population Increase…………………………………17.3%
Land Area (square km)………………………………104.83
Population Density (per square km)…………………13.7
Total Private Dwellings……………………………322
Total Population 15 years and over…………………55.9%
Knowledge of Aboriginal language…………………57.3%