Misipawistik Cree Nation

Misipawistik Cree Nation (MCN) is a Cree community formerly known as "Grand Rapids First Nation". "Misipawistik" in the local Cree language means "Rushing rapids", which were once an historical landmark in Misipawistik before the construction of the Hydroelectric Dam. MCN is located near Grand Rapids, Manitoba, 400 km north of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is accessible via PTH 6. It is situated at the mouth of the Saskatchewan River as it runs into Lake Winnipeg and encompasses 1852.3 hectares of land. The current Chief is Harold Turner.

History

MCN is a Cree-speaking community in northern Manitoba, Canada. The people of Misipawistik are largely ancestral descendants of indigenous Cree peoples who have populated the Canadian Shield region of northern and central Canada for 10,000 to 35,000 years. Cree peoples had been migrating to the area during the summer seasons for thousands of years prior to establishing a year-round settlement with the advent of the North American fur trade.

The Cree people of Misipawistik had signed Treaty 5 in September 1875.

Community

With a population of approximately 591 members, MCN is a small community compared to the average First Nations community. The population consists of Cree, Metis people, and other First Nations people. Cree, and English are the two languages most widely used.

National Cree Gathering 2007

Misipawistik Cree Nation hosted the 12th annual National Cree Gathering, a week-long event where Cree people from all over Canada and the United States came together to promote, preserve, and proclaim their traditional ceremonial practices, their distinct languages, and their ways of life.

A central component of the NCG is the 'Unity Run' which involves youth from multiple participating communities. These youth run the journey from the previous hosting community to the next hosting community. In certain years, this journey can encompass over 2000 kilometres. This year, the youth will be running from Moose Factory, Ontario to Misipawistik Cree Nation.

References

• Peter Kulchyski and Ramona Neckoway, The town that lost its name: the impact of hydroelectric development on Grand Rapids, Manitoba (Winnipeg: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, August 2006) 20 pages. ISBN 0-88627-504-0

External links

• Misipawistik Cree Nation Website
• INAC profile
• Website for the 12th Annual National Cree Gathering