History
“Sagkeeng” was the Aboriginal name given to the willow-crested peninsula marking the meeting point of rivers and streams at the mouth of Lake Winnipeg, known to the original Cree, Assiniboine and Ojibway inhabitants as the “Meeting Place”.
During the fur trade era, Sagkeeng proved to be an ideal passage route and trading post, utilized by historical trading rivals, the North West and Hudson’s Bay Companies. The original “Fort Alexander” was built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in the late 1700’s to serve as competition with the two existing North West Company forts erected earlier that century. Both companies conducted regular trade dealings with the various First Nations settled in the surrounding Sagkeeng area.
In 1871, Sagkeeng First Nation was signatory to Treaty #1, represented by “Kakakepenaise (William Mann I). At the time of signing, they were regarded as Fort Alexander First Nation.
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The Sagkeeng people are direct descendants of the Anishnabe tribes that migrated from the Ontario Sault Ste. Marie area during the 1700’s. Their ancestral language is Ojibway.
Geography
Sagkeeng First Nation is located approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is just a short distance from scenic Pine Falls, a popular recreational destination in the province. Situated on the southern tip of Lake Winnipeg, Sagkeeng has a registered population of more than 6,000, with approximately half of the Nation’s members residing on-reserve.
Although Sagkeeng First Nation is signed to Treaty #1, they are a member of the prominently Ojibway “Grand Council of Treaty #3”, also known as the “Northwest Angle Treaty”, classifying them as independent from any of the governing Tribal Councils.
Arts and Culture
A proud Anishnabe Nation, Sagkeeng has produced some creatively talented individuals whose accomplishments reflect on the spirit of the community.
Tim Fontaine has a history in film, video and television, working with both APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) and the Indian Community Arts Program at the First Nations University of Canada. He presently holds the position of Assistant Art Director with the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival.
Lorena Sekwan Fontaine is an assistant professor at the First Nations University of Canada, with an outstanding fifteen year involvement in various Aboriginal rights programs. She is deeply committed to learning the traditional Anishnabe teachings and laws.
Eagle and Hawk, a contemporary band that infuses rock with Aboriginal elements, was founded in 1993 by Vince Fontaine of Sagkeeng First Nation. They have since produced three albums that have been embraced in North America and Europe by First Nation and non-First Nation audiences alike. Eagle and Hawk has received a total of seven CAMA awards from 1999-2006 and the 2002 Juno for “Best Music of Aboriginal Canada”, not to mention a string of nominations.
Sagkeeng First Nation celebrates their cultural roots in the hosting of an annual “Treaty Days Traditional Pow Wow”, with 2007 marking the 25th anniversary of this anticipated summer event.
The community of Sagkeeng recognized that there was a lack of resources for their youth to explore their creative energy, and in January of 2006, the “Sagkeeng Arts and Drama Program” was introduced, including instruction in drama, music and art. The response was overwhelming and through the invaluable support of parents and volunteers, programs are continuing to be expanded and offered to enthusiastic students.
Recognition of respected Sagkeeng Elders was honored through the compilation of an “Elders Calendar” that served the dual purpose of raising funds for the community.
The “Sagkeeng Cultural Centre Museum”, located on Sagkeeng First Nation, exhibits a model of the historical Fort Alexander, in addition to an array of ancient copper artifacts, ceremonial dress and contemporary arts and handicrafts.
Achievements and Progression
Some of the major services within the Sagkeeng community include Child and Family Services, health centre, wellness centre, three schools (elementary, junior high and high school facilities), day care, arena multiplex, fire hall and First Nations police service. Locally owned and operated Wolf FM radio broadcasts on-site.
Sagkeeng First Nation is a thriving and developing community, focused on instilling and maintaining a sense of respect and pride in their traditional Anishnabe culture.
An impressive representation of Sagkeeng’s cultural commitment is the architecturally dynamic “Turtle Lodge”. Inspired by a dream vision of Anishnabe Elder, Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dave Courchene Jr.) over 25 years ago, construction of the turtle shaped structure began in 2002.
The lodge is presently open to all cultures, regardless of religious or racial background, and seeks to offer guidance and wisdom through ancient and sacred First Nations teachings. The original vision was interpreted as a “Village of Peace”; the turtle represents “Truth” to First Nations people.
Since the opening of Sagkeeng’s Turtle Lodge, Pic Mobert and Pic River First Nations of Ontario, and Lake Manitoba and Sioux Valley Dakota First Nations of Manitoba have initiated construction of their own Turtle Lodges, expanding the “village of peace” vision and intent.
Perhaps Sagkeengs’ most prestigious member is found in Phil Fontaine, whose colorful and influential career began in 1973 with his election as community Chief. He has held the reputable titles of Special Advisor to the Tribal Council, Vice-Chief of Manitoba’s Assembly of First Nations, Grand Chief Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Chief Commissioner of Indian Claims Commission. After holding the 1997 position of National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Mr. Fontaine was re-elected to the National Chief position in 2003.
Phil Fontaine’s courage in revealing the truth behind Canada’s residential school system began the dialogue and structure necessary for acknowledgement and healing, and his involvement in establishing the country’s first locally controlled education system, Child and Family Services and Alcohol Treatment Centre was integral in First Nations regaining their independence.
The communities’ vision for Sagkeeng First Nations’ future is one of hope and expectation. Through the focused dedication, belief and commitment of Sagkeeng’s Chief, Council and People, they stand to reshape and write their own history.
Just the Facts Please (Source: 2006 Statistics Canada Census)
2006 Population 2,121
2001 Population 1,998
Population Fluctuation +6.2%
Land Area (square km) 90.79
Population Density (per square km) 23.4
Total Private Dwellings 598
Total Population 15 Years and Over 62.6%
Knowledge of Aboriginal Language 29.9%
References:
http://www.sagkeeng.ca/Services.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagkeeng http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Alexander,_Manitoba http://www.theturtlelodge.com/camp_location.htm http://www.scoinc.mb.ca/southwind/southwind054.pdf http://www.blueskyplanners.com/docs/nation_to_nation_2007_brochure.pdf http://www.uregina.ca/sipp/MTJ_bios.html http://www.skndnz.com/powwows.htm http://www.easternmanitobatourism.ca/laverendrye.htm http://www.eagleandhawk.com/bio.html http://aboriginalfilmfest.org/?page_id=6
Submitted by: Tammy Chammartin
Date: April 30, 2008
Word Count: 1,032