Peawanuck First Nation
Coordinates: 55°0′30″N 85°25′20″W / 55.00833°N 85.42222°W
| Peawanuck | |
|---|---|
| Indian Settlement | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| District | Kenora |
| Area | |
| • Indian Settlement | 1.51 km2 (0.58 sq mi) |
| • Land | 1.51 km2 (0.58 sq mi) |
| • Water | 0 km2 (0 sq mi) 0% |
| • Urban | 0 km2 (0 sq mi) |
| • Rural | 1.51 km2 (0.58 sq mi) |
| Population (2011 Canadian Census)[1] | |
| • Indian Settlement | 237 |
| • Density | 160/km2 (410/sq mi) |
| Postal Code(s) | P0L 2H0 |
| Area Code(s) | 807 but 705 is used |
Peawanuck is an isolated Cree community in the Kenora District, Ontario, Canada. It is located near the confluence of the Winisk and Shamattawa Rivers, about 35 km from the Winisk River's end in Hudson Bay. Its population is 221 (2006 Canada Census).
Its population used to live in the community of Winisk (55°16′N 85°11′W / 55.267°N 85.183°W), near the mouth of the Winisk River. This also used to be a Mid-Canada Line Radar site. In 1986, its population was forced to abandon Winisk as a result of the Winisk Flood Disaster. The community was relocated thirty kilometers up-river on higher ground. The new settlement was renamed Peawanuck, meaning "flintstone" in the Cree language. It only took seven months for the community to be rebuilt in Peawanuck, with much credit going to the community members who were determined to have their new homes ready by the winter. It is surrounded by lands of the Polar Bear Provincial Park providing Peawanuck with limited tourism opportunities.
Peawanuck is not accessible by year-round road but has an airfield (Peawanuck Airport). The town is however, linked by winter/ice roads in the winter towards Fort Severn, Ontario, and ultimately, Shamattawa, Manitoba and Gillam, Manitoba.
Peawanuck is policed by the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, an Aboriginal based service.