The original members of the Peguis First Nation were of the Saulteaux Tribe. They migrated from the Sault Ste. Marie Lake Superior region in the late 1700’s to settle along the Red River near present day Selkirk, Manitoba. Under the leadership of Chief Peguis, their settlement thrived, aided by a plentiful supply of fish, wild game and waterfowl.
Scottish settlers, led by Lord Selkirk arrived in the area in the early 1800’s; Chief Peguis offered protection and survival necessities to the newcomers, helping them establish their colonies. The chief became a member of the Anglican Church at the age of 64 and was legally married to his wife of many years. After the marriage, he was registered under the name of William King, declaring that his sons would now be known as “princes”. Chief Peguis died in 1864 at the age of 90.
Upon his death, Chief Peguis’ son, known as Henry Prince or Red Eagle (Mis-koo-ke-new), was promoted to chief. Chief Prince refused to join the rebellion led by Louis Riel and on August 3, 1871, he signed Treaty #1 at Lower Fort Garry. At the time of signing, the land occupied by the Peguis Nation was known as St. Peter’s Reserve.
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Geography
Peguis First Nation is situated 170 kilometers north of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Consisting of nine reserves, it is the largest First Nation in Manitoba, with over 8,000 registered members of Cree and Ojibway descent. Over 3,000 members reside on reserve land. A member of Interlake Reserves Tribal Council 2124, Peguis First Nation covers a total area of 30,655.7 hectares (75,749.2 acres).
Arts and Culture
Peguis First Nation has been host to an annual pow wow for over 20 years, traditionally held in July, with 2007 marking the 24th annual, held in conjunction with Peguis’ centennial celebration.
Struggle within First Nations communities is common, but not unchallenged. Peguis First Nation has produced a number of individuals that seek to restore and maintain cultural tradition and offer hope and opportunity to the youth of the community.
Gary Robson, a consultant with the Aboriginal Education Directorate, provides oral presentations of cultural and historical data from classroom to community and government settings.
Alan Greyeyes holds the title of Aboriginal Music Program Coordinator with the Manitoba Audio Recording Industry Association. A graduate of Trent University, majoring in economics with a Bachelor of Art degree, his technical and creative skills are assisting First Nations artists within the province.
Cheryl Bear began her career as a youth employment worker for Peguis First Nation following her graduation from Assiniboine Community College. She currently assists new artists in establishing viable businesses through her role in the Peguis Development Corporation, and is the founding member of the Peguis Pow Wow Regalia Class, established in 2004.
Renae Morriseau, best known for her role of Ellen in the Canadian produced “North of 60” television series; her successes also include writing, filmmaking and producing. She seeks out projects that give voice to First Nations issues and plays an active role in leadership workshops and television training for First Nations youth.
Achievements and Progression
Peguis Central School, officially opened in 2003, is a symbol of progression and pride for the Nation. Band members were involved in the planning through contribution of theme suggestions, resulting in a finished product that reflected the culture and heritage of Peguis. The school accommodates over 900 students, with classes from kindergarten to grade 12, and employs approximately 125 full time staff members, over 80% of which are First Nation.
The community offers a range of services including:
Fire Hall
RCMP Detachment
Hospital & Health & Dental Center
Al-Care Treatment Center
Mall, Grocery Stores, Hardware & Convenience Store
Restaurants
Hair Salons
Post Office & Royal Bank
Custom Cabinet & Mill Work & Garages
Laundromat
Development Corporation
Band Office & Community Hall
Arena, Baseball Diamonds & Running Track
Elders Housing & Seniors Center
In addition to the “entrepreneur” trend that is practiced and supported through the many self-run businesses operating within the Peguis First Nation community, farming, ranching and commercial fishing also add to the growing economic base. An emphasis on education and opportunity is painting a bright and hopeful future for the members of Peguis First Nation.
Despite the fact that the initial reserve area signed to Peguis First Nation (originally St. Peter’s Reserve) was moved from the designated and established Selkirk area in the early 1900’s to its present day location, the community has overcome great hardships through sheer determination and commitment to its people.
Peguis First Nation stands to make history in its current negotiation with the Canadian Government in reclaiming the original land settlement signed to Treaty #1 in 1871 and surrendered in 1907.
Just the Facts Please (Source: 2006 Statistics Canada Census)
2006 Population 2,513
2001 Population 2,515
Population Fluctuation -0.1%
Land Area (square km) 310.62
Population Density (per square km) 8.1
Total Private Dwellings 808
Total Population 15 Years and Over 70.0%
Knowledge of Aboriginal Language 4.4%