Mr. Dawson is the director of Community Futures Howe Sound (CFHS), a non-profit economic development organization dedicated to building small businesses. CFHS is one of 269 community futures (CFs) dotted around Canada, with 34 in British Columbia.

Squamish, a former mill town of 16,000 set in a picturesque valley 55 kilometres north of Vancouver, is in a good position to benefit from CFs, having been transformed by the loss its core industry and moving toward tourism and creative enterprises, Mr. Dawson says. It is the largest community served by CFHS, which also covers the resort of Whistler, and smaller communities from West Vancouver to Mount Currie, a total of about 30,000 residents.

“I’ve been here 14 years and there was virtually a non-existent entrepreneurial mindset in Squamish when I started,” Mr. Dawson says. “You didn’t have to create your own job because you had the mill. There were so many options. Squamish was the largest community by far in our region, but it was a company town.”

CFs were established nationally in 1985 by Employment and Immigration Canada, now Human Resources Skills Development (HRSD). It was seen by the Mulroney government as a way to provide alternative business loan assistance in rural areas experiencing significant downturns due to loss of industry.

When CF loans are paid back with interest, the money increases the overall capital of the local organization, providing more money to loan to future businesses. Each CF operation has the autonomy to operate according to what best suits the local community.

“All CFs are different. It’s not a cookie-cutter organization, that’s one of the neat things about it … What works in Squamish and Whistler may be the last thing people in Swift Current need,” Mr. Dawson explains.

In 1994, HRSD entered into negotiations to transfer the program to regional economic development agencies across Canada. This regionalization has led to a diversity of CF programs, each shaped according to the needs of the locale. CFs are all non-governmental organizations, with British Columbian CF programs attached to the Western Economic Diversification federal agency.

Fifty per cent of what CFHS does is provide small business loans, 30 per cent involves running a self-employment program for new entrepreneurs, most of whom have recently been on Employment Insurance, and the remaining 20 per cent goes toward community economic development one-offs such as workshops or education projects.

Around 1,800 people, roughly 5 per cent of the region’s population, use CFs in one way or another over the course of a year in the Howe Sound region, with 109 new businesses started in the past fiscal year.

“Those numbers are huge when you think that we only deal with small businesses,” Mr. Dawson says.

According to a May, 2009 impact study by the Conference Board of Canada, for every $1 spent by CFs on loans, $4.20 is earned in Canada.

George Vass, the general manager of Community Futures Prince Albert (CFPA) in Saskatchewan, says the scope of its work is tied closely with local enterprise schemes and concentrates on business loans and workshops. “We’ll see applications come in from banks about a business they feel is too risky for them, or from training centres where people have made their business plans and now want to start working on their business,” he says.

“We are prudent with our lending, but we do a lot of ‘character lending.’ Whereas banks don’t waiver from security lending and they want the loan to be secure, we will look at the person more, the idea more.”

He said most loans run in the $50,000 range up to a maximum of $150,000. He said delinquency is almost nil, just $4,000 written off since 2005 out of a total capital base of $2.6 million.

Mr. Vass said CFPA has now started branching out into micro-financing, with small loans of several thousand dollars being handed out. The results so far have been encouraging, he says.

Diana Jedig, the executive director of the Ontario Association of Community Futures, says there was no single overseeing body for the program in Canada. Instead, a national network was managed by regional associations located in each province or territory.

“It’s very much rooted in the community, as a program. [The regions] meet twice a year to share issues, and every three years there is a major national event. At the last one, in Ontario last year, 700 people took part,” she says.

Ms. Jedig says any person with a solid business idea and a willingness to push themselves would be taken seriously if they applied for funding or to take part in CF programs.

“In rural communities we are often the only place for these people to come to with their plans,” she says. “We see all the time entrepreneurs with great ideas. They may not have the experience in business, but we try to help them fill in any gaps.”

Special to The Globe and Mail

These websites will be community shaped and allow its members to connect with other areas of the country.

Imagine for a moment if you would that you had to move from your home town to a new area with new people, new homes and new work. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a connection to your home? Hear stories of community members and photos of activities and events?

With these new websites our community members current and past are able to keep connected and have a woven support base for all.

Watch for their launch in the coming weeks.

Government:

Shamattawa’s administration consists of one chief, four council members and a support staff. The Chief and Council have a two-year term and are elected through Band custom.

Political affiliations that are associated with the Shamattawa First Nation include the Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC), Manitoba Keewatinnohk Okimahkanak (MKO), Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Indian and Northern Affairs of Canada.

Religion:

The religion in Shamattawa consists of traditional and Christian beliefs. There are a few denominations that are present in the community: the Full Gospel Church, the Pentecostal Church, and the Anglican Church. Traditional beliefs are still in place today. Christian beliefs and practices are observed within the community as well as other neighboring First Nation communities.

Health Services:

Shamattawa is equipped with a nursing station that is operated and funded by Health and Welfare Canada under the Medical Services Branch. The nursing station provides acute care as regular clinics and public health programs. Emergency care is available 24 hours a day. Community health representatives are hired by the band to provide prevention and promotional education to the community. The table that follows include the part-time care provided to the people from other health professionals at various times. Emergency medi-vac is available 24 hours a day, weather permitting.

Health Professionals & Availability

Doctor – Once a week

Dentist – Once a month

Optometrist – Once every two years

Pediatrician – Once a month

Psychologist – Once a month

Mental Health Worker – Twice a month

Child and Family Services:

An Awasis Agency office is located in the community that falls under the Child and Family Services Act and provides child protection services resources for family conciliation, and Child Development initiatives. The head office is located in Thompson. The Agency was mandated in 1984 and serves 14 other First Nations.

Social Assistance:

The Social Assistance Program provides assistance and emergency special needs funding to unemployed members in the community. A director and a clerk are employed from the band to administer this program. The percentage of the population that requires the program is approximately eighty-five percent.

Education:

The Abraham Beardy Memorial School has students from kindergarten to grade 9 that attend. All other students from grade 10 to post-secondary have to attend educational institutes off the reserve in Winnipeg, Thompson or Cranberry Portage, MB.

Infrastructure

Water:

The community obtains its water from a water treatment plant. Each community member gets water delivered to them once a week or when needed.

Electricity:

Shamattawa is not linked up to the provincial power system as of yet; a generator that offers 15 amps per household provides its service.

Fire fighting:

The community has a fire hall, which is maintained by community volunteer fire fighters. Natural Resources provide forest fire watch.

Policing

There is a RCMP detachment that is located in the community that services the community. Also, the Shamattawa First Nation hires 2 local band constables that police the community.

Transportation

The Band owns and operates a van that transports people to and from the nursing station on a 24-hours basis, if needed. Various people provide taxi services in the community. There is a ferry that services the community by taking vehicles across the river. Semi-trucks from Winnipeg, and Thompson drive in on the winter road to bring in freight and fuel. The winter road season opens from February until March. Air transportation is available at the local airstrip that is maintained by Highways and Transportation. Several airlines fly in from Winnipeg, and Thompson daily and each of the companies provide at least one flight a day. Chartering flights is also an option for the people. Also, these companies provide emergency medi-vac services when needed. Docking facilities are available for floatplanes throughout the community’s shoreline.

Communications

Postal service is provided from the local post office that is operated by Canada Post. Mail is delivered in and out the community five times a week, weather permitting.

Telephone and Fax line services is provided by MTS.

A community owned radio and television station is located in the band office and provides free public announcements.

Businesses

There are a few businesses present in the community, such as the Drop In Center, which sells drinks, chips, and other snacks. The Northern Store is also present in the community and the Shamattawa Gas Bar.

The community of Manto Sipi Cree Nation was originally part of the God’s Lake First Nation. It was in the mid 1940’s that people moved from the God’s Lake Narrows to form the community of Manto Sipi Cree Nation. Sources have indicated that separation of the communities was related to religious differences, while others contend it was for economic reasons. Ministerial Order formed the God’s River First Nation on May 7, 1976. The God’s Lake First Nation is signatory to the adhesion of Treaty 5, which was signed in 1909.

The Manto Sipi Cree Nation is located 585 air kilometers northeast of Winnipeg. The community is located at the mouth of the God’s River along the north shoreline of God’s Lake.

Government:

The Manto Sipi Cree Nation office is in the central area of the community. The administration office is shared with the Awasis Agency Department. Council consists of one Chief and four Councillors, elected according to Band custom. Political affiliations are with the Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC), Manitoba Keewatinohk Okimahkanak (MKO), Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC).

The Manto Sipi Cree Nation administers the following programs: social assistance, housing, capital projects, operations and maintenance, water and sewage services, sanitation services, television and radio broadcasting, the community outreach program, justice, policing, recreation, aboriginal healing foundation, economic development, NADAP and youth services.

Religion:

Both traditional religious practices and Christianity are observed in the community. There are two churches in the community: the Roman Catholic Church and the Full Gospel/Pentecostal Church.

Health Services:

God’s River is equipped with a nursing station that is operated by Health & Welfare Canada under the Medical Services Branch. The nursing station employs two nurses, an administrative clerk, a janitor, a cook, and a maintenance person. The nursing station provides acute care with regular clinics; public health programs and twenty-four hour emergency care. Two Community Health Representatives are on hand to provide prevention and promotional education to the public. The table that follows includes the part-time care provided to the people from other health professional at various times. All other health professionals needed are referred to Winnipeg, Thompson, or Selkirk, MB.

Health Professionals & Availability

Doctor – Twice a week

Dentist – Twice a month

Optometrist – Once a year

Pediatrician – Quarterly

Psychologist – Twice a month

Housing:

All the houses are band owned. The majority of the houses are structured and designed the same way. There are newer houses that are two-storied of which are from (CMHC). The newer houses have upper main floors and basements. Also, they have running water that is hook up to water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants. Other houses have 120- gallon plastic containers and use outhouses for waste. These houses are heated by wood burning stoves or fuel stoves.

Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba:

An Awasis Agency Office in the community falls under the Child & Family Act and provides child protection services, resources for family conciliation, and child development initiatives. The Federal Government in conjunction with MKO and the Band oversees the program. The Agency employs several full-time staff and a few Child Development workers.

Education:

God’s River Board of Education oversees the school that offers kindergarten to grade nine. Students who wish to continue their education have to go outside the community to do so. The school employs some teachers that are from the First Nation and other teachers from elsewhere. Also, the school employs office personnel, maintenance services, and guidance councilors.

Daycare Center:

There is a daycare center in the community for those who require the facility. The daycare provides care for infant and pre-school children.

Infrastructure

Electricity

As part of the North Central Project, God’s River was linked up to the provincial power system in the fall of 1997. The electrification project that supplies 200-amp service has replaced the 15-amp previously supplied by a diesel generator.

Fire fighting

The community has a fire chief that is on call twenty-four hours a day with the help of volunteer fire fighters from the community. Natural Resources provide forest fire watch and fire fighting if needed.

Policing

Policing is done locally from and RCMP detachment located in the community. The Band also employs constables from the community.

Transportation

The Band owns and operates a van that transports people to and from the nursing station on a 24-hours basis, if needed. Various people provide taxi services in the community. There is a ferry that services the community by taking vehicles across the river. Semi-trucks from Winnipeg, and Thompson drive in on the winter road to bring in freight and fuel. The winter road season opens from February until March. Air transportation is available at the local airstrip that is maintained by Highways and Transportation. Several airlines fly in from Winnipeg, and Thompson daily and each of the companies provide at least one flight a day. Chartering flights is also an option for the people. Also, these companies provide emergency medi-vac services when needed. Docking facilities are available for floatplanes throughout the community’s shoreline.

Communications

Postal Services are provided by the local post office, operated by Canada Post. Mail is delivered in and out of the community five times a week, weather permitting.

Telephone services are maintained by MTS. MTS provides local and long distance calling, facsimile lines and Internet services. In the God’s Lake and Island Lake region, calls are local. Internet services use long distance lines.

The community owned television and radio station provides public announcements

Businesses

The Northern Store is the largest business in God’s River. The store employs several employees that work full-time and some part-time, which include managers from out of town. The store sells groceries, retail goods, hardware, furniture, visual equipment, recreational items, and gas. Northern Store is owned and operated by the North West Co.

Other businesses in the community include: Okemow’s Restaurant, God’s River Lodge and Percy Okemow’s convenience store.

God’s Lake Narrows is located 1037 kilometres Northeast of Winnipeg. The reserve is signatory to the 1909 adhesion Treaty No.5. The First Nation has two communities: the reserve side and the Metis side and the main dialect spoken is Cree and English. God’s Narrows First Nation Administration consists of one Chief and six Council members who are elected through Band custom. Political affiliations are with the Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC), Manitoba Keewatinohk Okimahkanak (MKO), Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), and Indian & Northern Affairs (INAC).

Religion:

The religion in the communities consists of Traditional and Christian beliefs. There are a few churches present in the community: The Full Gospel, United, and the Roman Catholic. Christian beliefs/practices are observed within the community, as well as other neighbouring communities. Traditional beliefs are still in place today.

Health Services:

God’s Lake Narrows is equipped with a nursing station that is operated by Health & Welfare Canada under the Medical Services Branch. It has room to employ three nurses. The nursing station also employs an administrative clerk, a janitor, a cook, and a maintenance person. The nursing station provides acute care in regular clinics; public health programs and emergency care 24 hours a day. Two Community Health Representatives are on hand to provide prevention and promotional education to the public. The table that follows includes the part-timecare provided to the people from other health professional at various times. All other health professionals needed are referred to Winnipeg, Thompson, or Selkirk, MB.

Health Professionals & Availability

Doctor - Once a week

Dentist - Twice a month weekly

Optometrist - Once a year

Pediatrician - Twice a year

Psychologist - Twice a month

Alcohol and Drug Counseling:

Substance Abuse Counselling, Mental Health Care, Suicide Prevention, Marriage Counselling, Court Order Supervision Services are provided by Native Alcohol & Drug

Abuse Program (NADAP) of Thompson, MB. An NADAP is located in the community and employs two full-time counsellors.

Elder Care

God’s Lake Narrows Band owns and operates a Personal Home Care home that provides care for the elderly from the community and other neighbouring communities. There are several workers that work full-time and there are also part-time workers. Workers include officer personnel, health care aids, dietary staff, laundry staff, and maintenance staff.

Housing:

All the houses on treaty lands are band owned. The majority of the houses are structured and designed the same way. There are newer houses that are two-storied of which are from (CMHC). The newer houses have upper main floors and basements. Also, they have running that are hook up to water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants. Other houses have 120- gallon plastic containers and use outhouses for waste. These houses are heated by wood burning stoves or fuel stoves. There are older houses next to newer house which people are reluctant to take down. People usually use these houses for storage use. The average number of occupants per house is five.

Education:

God’s Lake Narrows Band Board of Education oversees the school that offers grades kindergarten to grade eight. Students who wish to continue their education have to go outside the community to do so. The school employs some teachers that are from the First Nation and other teachers from elsewhere. Also, the school employs office personnel, maintenance services, and guidance councillors.

Daycare:

There is a daycare center in the community for those who require the facility.

Infrastructure

Electricity

As part of the North Central Project, God’s lake Narrows was linked up to the provincial power system in the fall of 1997. The electrification project that supplies 200-amp service has replaced the 15-amp previously supplied by a diesel generator. The Federal and Provincial Governments funded the project. It is now managed and maintained by Manitoba Hydro.

Garbage

PickupGarbage pickup is also a service available within the community. The people store their garbage in wooden crates that are placed at various locations in the community. It is then picked up by garbage personnel who employed by the Band to do so. It is done on a weekly basis and is taken to the local garbage dump. The dump is an open landfill site.

Fire fighting

Fire fighting services are provided by stand by volunteers from the community. Natural Resources provide forest fire watch and fire fighting if needed.

Policing

Policing is done locally by the RCMP detachment that is located on the community side. The RCMP vehicles are taken across by ferry to the reserve side. There are eleven RCMP officers in the community. The First Nation also employs three band constables.

Transportation

The Band owns and operates a van that transports people to and from the nursing station on a 24-hours basis, if needed. Various people provide taxi services in the community. There is a ferry that services the community by taking vehicles across the river. Semi-trucks from Winnipeg, and Thompson drive in on the winter road to bring in freight and fuel. The winter road season opens from February until March. Air transportation is available at the local airstrip that is maintained by Highways and Transportation. Several airlines fly in from Winnipeg, and Thompson daily and each of the companies provide at least one flight a day. Chartering flights is also an option for the people. Also, these companies provide emergency medi-vac services when needed. Docking facilities are available for floatplanes throughout the community’s shoreline.

Communications

Postal Service is provided by the local Post Office that is operated by Canada Post. Mail is delivered in and out of the community five time a week, weather permitting. The Winnipeg Sun, The Winnipeg Free Press, The First Perspective are available at local stores and at the local airport. Telephone service is maintained by MTS and provides local and long distance calling, as well as faxes lines. The God’s Lake region and to the Island lake region calls are local throughout. A community owned radio and television station provides free public announcements and is open morning to curfew hours.

Businesses

The Northern Store is the largest business in God’s lake Narrows. The store employs several employees that work full-time and some part-time, which include managers from out of town. The store sells groceries, retail goods, hardware, furniture, visual equipment, recreational items, and gas. Northern Store is owned and operated by the North West Company.

Other businesses in God’s Narrows are: Chubb’s Repairs, Nassie Transport & Hauling, Joe Andrew’s School Bus operation (contract with Band), God’s Lake Narrows Motel, Spence’s Food Store, and God’s Lake Arena.

Government:

Oxford House Band Council is housed in the Band Office located in the central area of the community. The Council consists of one Chief and five Council members. The Council has two-year terms of which are elected through democratic vote. Political affiliations are with Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC), Manitoba Keewatinohk Okimahkanak (MKO), Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), and Indian & Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).

Religion:

The community of Oxford House has four Churches that are present: The Northern Evangelical, The Roman Catholic, The United, and The Full Gospel. Native Traditional beliefs are still in place today. Christian beliefs and/or practices are observed within the community, as well as other neighboring communities.

Health Services:

The community is equipped with a nursing station that is operated and funded by Health & Welfare Canada, which is under the Medical Services Branch. It has room to employ five nurses. The nursing station also employs an administrative clerk, a janitor, and a maintenance person. The nursing station provides acute care in regular clinics, public health programs. Three Community Health Workers are on hand to provide prevention and

Under a Stimulus plan a new nursing station is currently under construction slated for completion in March 2011. As well a new university College of the North Regional Center is also currently under construction and slated for completion in March 2011.

promotional education to the public and are employed by the Band. The table that follows include the part-time care provided to the people from other health professionals at various times. All other health professional needs, including Mental Health Services are referred to Winnipeg, Thompson, or Selkirk, MB.

Health Professionals & Availability

Doctor – Once every two weeks

Dentist – 2-3 weeks monthly

Optometrist – 2-3 times a year

Pediatrician – 2-3 times a year

Psychologist – Twice a month

Alcohol and Drug Counseling:

Substance Abuse Counseling, Suicide Prevention, Marriage Counseling, Court Order Supervision Services are provided by Native Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (NADAP) of Thompson, Mb. A NADAP is located in the community and employs two full-time counselors.

Elderly Care:

Oxford House Band operates the George Colon Memorial Home that provides personal care for the elderly. It serves the elderly in Oxford House and other surrounding communities. There are approximately 55 people who work at the home that consists of full-time, part-time, and casual workers. Workers include office personnel, health care aids, dietary staff, laundry staff, and a maintenance staff.

Education:

The Oxford House Education Authority controls the school that offers grades kindergarten to grade twelve to approximately 500 students. The school is employs some local teachers, office personnel, maintenance services, and guidance councilors. A new high school is now complete.

Recreation:

The First Nation as a recreation committee that organizes local volleyball, baseball, floor hockey, and ice hockey tournaments. The recreation committee also organizes winter and summer carnivals that can be participated and enjoyed by all ages. The sports facilities that are available to the people are a gymnasium, an arena, and three outdoor sport activity areas.

Infrastructure

Water delivery and Garbage pick-up:

A local water garage is operated and funded through the Band. It employs one manager and six water delivery personnel. The garage chlorinates water pumped from the lake and maintains a sewage treatment plant. The garage provides its services to both members of the community and government owned buildings.

Electricity

As part of the North Central Project, Oxford House was linked up to the provincial power system as of July 1997. The electrification project that supplies the 200-amp service has replaced the 15-amps service previously supplied by a diesel generator. Oxford House is the first of eight communities to be linked up to the system funded by the Federal and Provincial Governments. Manitoba Hydro manages the project.

Police and Fire Fighting

Policing is done locally from an RCMP detachment located in the community. The Band also employs five full-time constables and two casual constables.

Local volunteers provide fire-fighting services. Natural Resources provide forest fire watch and forest fire fighting, if necessary.

Transportation

The Band owns and operates a van that transports people to and from the nursing station on a 24-hours basis, if needed. Various people provide taxi services in the community. Semi-trucks from Winnipeg, and Thompson drive in on the winter road to bring in freight and fuel. The winter road season opens from February until March. Air transportation is available at the local airstrip that is maintained by Highways and Transportation. Several airlines fly in from Winnipeg, and Thompson daily and each of the companies provide at least one flight a day. Chartering flights is also an option for the people. Also, these companies provide emergency medi-vac services when needed. Docking facilities are available for floatplanes throughout the community’s shoreline.

Businesses

The Northern Store Inc. is the largest business in the community. It owns two separate stores: the main store and the convenience store. Both stores employ 28 full-time and part-time staff. The main store sells grocery items to recreational items such as hockey stick to ski-doos.

The Triple B Motel is a six-bed motel that employs one manager. The motel is ‘bed and breakfast’ type motel, where guests prepare their own meals. The motel is owned and operated by John and Lorraine Muskego.

C. Grieves Hauling is a gravel hauling operation. Clifford Grieves, who is a youth and an entrepreneur, owns the company.

Billy Jack Grieves Transport offers a rental and material hauling operation. The operation provides part-time employment for one other community member. The company is owned By Billy Jack Grieves who is a youth and entrepreneur.

Chief:
Irvin Sinclair

Council:
Peter Bradburn
James Weenusk
Paul Weenusk
Alpheus Hart
Richard Hart
Louise Munroe

Band Office:
(204) 538-2282 Fax: (204) 538-2220

Two closely related but independent communities share the name of God’s Lake Narrows. One is the God’s Lake Narrows First Nation and the other is a Northern Affairs community on nearby provincial crown land.

God’s Lake Community is located 547 kilometers by air Northeast of Winnipeg. The community is headed by a Mayor and four Councillors. Political affiliations are with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DIAND).

The God’s Lake community administers the following programs: social assistance, housing, capital projects, operations and maintenance, water and sewage services, sanitation services, policing, recreation, economic development and youth services.

Religion:

Both traditional religious practices and Christianity are observed in the community. There are three churches on God’s Lake First Nation where the community can attend: the Roman Catholic Church, the United Church and the Full Gospel/Pentecostal Church.

Health Services:

The community of God’s Lake does not have their own health facility. The community members utilize the fully equipped nursing station located on the God’s Lake First Nation. This nursing station is equipped with three nurses, an administrative clerk, a janitor, cook and maintenance person. As well, there are two community health representatives on hand.

Health Professionals & Availability

Doctor - Once a week

Dentist - Twice a month weekly

Optometrist – Once a year

Pediatrician - Twice a year

Psychologist - Twice a month

Education:

The God’s Lake Community School is administered by the Frontier School Division. The school offers Kindergarten to grade eight.

Infrastructure

Electricity:

As part of the North Central Project, God’s Lake community is linked to the provincial power system. The system was hooked up in the fall of 1997 and replaces the 15-amp service previously supplied by diesel generator.

Water:

The community of God’s Lake is equipped with indoor plumbing. Each home in the community is hooked up to a main water line.

Policing

Policing is done locally by the RCMP detachment that is located on the community side. The RCMP vehicles are taken across by ferry to the reserve side. There are four RCMP officers in the community. The First Nation also employs several constables. As well, the community has a conservation office.

Transportation

The Band owns and operates a van that transports people to and from the nursing station on a 24-hours basis, if needed. Various people provide taxi services in the community. There is a ferry that services the community by taking vehicles across the river. Semi-trucks from Winnipeg, and Thompson drive in on the winter road to bring in freight and fuel. The winter road season opens from February until March. Air transportation is available at the local airstrip that is maintained by Highways and Transportation. Severalairlines fly in from Winnipeg, and Thompson daily and each of the companies provide at least one flight a day. Chartering flights is also an option for the people. Also, these companies provide emergency medi-vac services when needed. Docking facilities are available for floatplanes throughout the community’s shoreline.

Communications

Postal Services are provided by the local post office, operated by Canada Post. Mail is delivered in and out of the community five times a week, weather permitting.

Telephone services are maintained by MTS. MTS provides local and long distance calling, facsimile lines and internet services.

Businesses

The largest business in God’s Lake, the Northern Store, is located in the community. The store employs several employees that work part-time and full-time. The store sells groceries, retail goods, hardware, furniture, visual equipment, recreational items and gas. The Northern Store is owned and operated by the North West Company.

Other businesses in the God’s Lake community are Healey’s Lodge and Burton’s Hotel.

Government:

The Garden Hill Band Office is located in the central area of the community. Council consists of one Chief and eight Council members and a two-year term under Band custom is adhered to. Political affiliations are with the Island Lake Tribal Council (ILTC), Manitoba Keewatinohk Okimahkanak (MKO), Assembly Of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), and Indian & Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).

Religion:

The religion in Garden Hill consists of Traditional and fundamental Christian beliefs. Churches like the Roman Catholic and Pentecostal are present in the community. Traditional beliefs are still in place today. Traditional Christian beliefs/practices are observed within the community, as well as other neighboring communities.

Health Services:

Garden Hill is equipped with a nursing station that is funded and operated by Health and Welfare Canada under the Medical Services Branch. There are three people working under Community Health Representatives to provide prevention and promotional education to the public. There are two local nurses on staff at the Nursing Station. The Nursing Station has one Medical driver and one relief driver to provide transportation to the community.

Hours: 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M

Emergencies are allowed in after hours.

Health Professionals & Availability

Doctor – Three times a week

Dentist – Twice a month

Optometrist – Twice a year

Pediatrician – Quarterly

Psychologist – Once a month

Obstetrician – Once a month

Alcohol and Drug Counseling (NADP):

There are four counselors on staff working on Substance Abuse, Mental health Care, Suicide Prevention, Marriage Counseling, Court Order Supervisions, and Alcohol & Drugs. NDAP is located in the Garden Hill First Nation Office.

Island Lake Family Services:

Island Lake Family Services was mandated in 1997 and serves four First Nations: Wasagamack, St Theresa Pt., Red Sucker Lake, and Garden Hill. The head-office is located in Garden Hill.

Social Assistance:

The Social Assistance program provides assistance and emerging special needs funding to the unemployed members of the community. The staff includes on Director, one Assistant Director, and two Social Assistance Clerks. The number of people who require the program is approximately 85-90% of the whole population.

Education:

Garden Hill Education Authority oversees the School that offers Nursery to grade twelve. There are over eight hundred students enrolled. There are two separate buildings: Nursery – to grade six (elementary), and grade seven – twelve.

Daycare Center:

There is a daycare center that is available to the community members who require the facility. It was mandated in the summer 1997. The staff includes one coordinator, and an assistant coordinator, daycare workers, and one receptionist.

Infrastructure

Water

The community obtains water directly from Island Lake, which is chlorinated by a treatment plant and distributed via standpipe system. Water pumps are available throughout the community.

Electricity

As part of the North Central, Garden Hill is linked to the provincial power system that was hooked up in the summer of July 1999. The electrification project that supplies 200-amp services will replace the 15-amp service previously supplied by diesel generator. The electrification system is funded by the Federal and Provincial governments and is managed by Manitoba Hydro.

Fire fighting

Fire fighting is available by local volunteers from the community. If necessary, Natural Resources provide forest fire watch and fire fighting

Policing

Policing is done locally from and RCMP detachment located in the community. The Band also employs constables from the community.

Transportation

The Band owns and operates a van that transports people to and from the nursing station on a 24-hours basis, if needed. Various people provide taxi services in the community. There is a ferry that services the community by taking vehicles across the river. Semi-trucks from Winnipeg, and Thompson drive in on the winter road to bring in freight and fuel. The winter road season opens from February until March. Air transportation is available at the local airstrip that is maintained by Highways and Transportation. Several airlines fly in from Winnipeg, and Thompson daily and each of the companies provide at least one flight a day. Chartering flights is also an option for the people. Also, these companies provide emergency medi-vac services when needed. Docking facilities are available for floatplanes throughout the community’s shoreline.

Communications

Postal service is provided for the local Post Office that is operated by Canada Post. Mail is delivered in and out of the community five times a week, weather permitting.

The Winnipeg Sun, Winnipeg Free Press, Weetahmah, and The First Perspective, and Grassroots are available at local stores or administration buildings.

Telephone service is maintained by MTS and provides local long distance calling, as well as facsimile lines. In the Island Lake Region, from community to community, calls are local, including to God’s Lake Narrows, and God’s River.

Garden Hill owns and operates a television station and a radio station that is located in the Band Office and provides free public announcements and opens 9:00 A.M to curfew hours daily.

Businesses

There are a number of businesses in the community: Kipayshwin Hotel, Meechim Restaurant, Garden Hill Convenience Store, Island Lake Lodge, Garden Hill Laundromat, Knott’s Store, Kistagan Sportsplex and the Chicken Delight franchise are located in the heart of the community. There is a Northern Store located on Stevenson Island that is owned by the North West Company. There is also a coffee shop that is owned and maintained by the Birch family.

The location of Red Sucker Lake is approximately 709 kilometers Northeast of Winnipeg, MB. Red Sucker Lake First Nation has no year-round road access to a service center and as of a result; it experiences a higher cost of transportation. Distance, measured directly, to the nearest service center is greater than 480 kilometers.

Government:

The Red Sucker Lake Band Office is located in the center of the community. The administration consists of one Chief and five Council members. The Chief and Council have two-year terms, which are elected by the people through Band custom. Political affiliations are with the Island Lake Tribal Council (ILTC), Manitoba Keewtinohk Okimahkanak (MKO), Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).

Religion:

The religion in Red Sucker Lake First Nation consists of Traditional and Christian beliefs. There are two denominations: The Full Gospel Church and the United Church. Native Traditional beliefs are still in place today. Traditional Christian beliefs and/or practices are observed within the community, as well as, other neighboring First Nation Communities.

Health Services:

Red Sucker Lake First Nation is equipped with a nursing station that is administered by the Red Sucker Lake Health Authority and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch fund it. There are two nurses on hand to provide promotional and preventive education to the public. The table that follows include the part-time care provided to the people from other Health professionals at various times. All other Health professionals needed, including Mental Health Services are referred to Winnipeg, Thompson, or Selkirk, MB.

Nursing Station
Hours: 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Monday to Friday

Emergencies are allowed after hours, and there is Medi-Vac available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, weather permitting .

Health Professionals & Availability

Doctor - Once a week

Dentist - Once a month

Optometrist - Once a year

Pediatrician - Two or three times a year

Psychologist - Twice a month

Housing:

Most of the houses in the community are Band owned. The newer houses that have been constructed within the past few years are built with the same design. They have three bedrooms, a living room, a washroom, and a storage room. The houses have running water; indoor plumbing, electrical heating, and some of these houses have wood-burning stoves at the cost of the occupant. All other houses have no running water and indoor plumbing, including the Red Sucker Lake Band Office. The older houses are heated by wood-burning stoves and the heating has to be maintained during the winter nights, otherwise, the houses can and do drop to freezing temperatures.

Child and Family Services:

The Island Lake First Nation Child and Family Services was mandated in April of 1997 and serves the four First Nations. The Agency falls under the Child and Family Services Act and it provides child protection service resources for family conciliation, and child development initiatives.

Social Assistance:

The welfare program provides financial assistance and emergency special needs funding to the unemployed members of the community. Two employees administer the program. The amount of people who require the services of the program in the community is approximately 80-90% of the population.

Education:

The Red Sucker Lake Education Board administers the school that offers grades Kindergarten to grade twelve to approximately 200-250 students. The Education Board consists of one Education Director and five board members.

Counselling:

The Red Sucker Lake Health Authority provides Substance Abuse Counselling, Mental Health Care, Suicide Prevention, and Marriage Counselling.

Infrastructure

Water:

The community obtains water directly from Red Sucker Lake; it is then treated in two water plants. One treatment plant that was constructed in 1995 services the new school and the teacherages; it provides water to over 30 CMHC(Canadian Manitoba Housing Corporation) houses via water truck delivery. The other treatment plant is located at the Band Office (Old School) and services adjacent buildings, such as the Health Authority, and the Red Sucker Lake Hotel.

Electricity:

As part of the Northern Central Hydro Project, Red Sucker Lake is now linked up to the Provincial Power System, which was completed in July of 1999. The electrification system is funded by the Federal and Provincial Governments and is now managed by Manitoba Hydro.

Fire fighting:

Fire fighting in the community consists of volunteers. If necessary, Natural Resources provides forest fire watch and fire fighting.

Sewage Disposal:

Most residents utilize pit privies. A new sequencing batch reactor sewage plant, constructed in 1995, services the new school and the teacherages and provides sewage disposal to over 30 CMHC houses. The other sewage plant, located at the old school site, was renovated in 1995 and service the Band Office and adjacent buildings mentioned before. Another sewage plant has been recently constructed in 1999. There are two houses currently connected directly to the plant and there are more houses awaiting connection.

Garbage Disposal:

The community has one landfill site North of the airstrip and there is no garbage pick-up system in place. Community members are advised to utilize the landfill site by their own means.

Policing

Policing is done by three Band Constables and are aided by five security staff.

Transportation

The Band owns and operates a van that transports people to and from the nursing station on a 24-hours basis, if needed. Various people provide taxi services in the community. There is a ferry that services the community by taking vehicles across the river. Semi-trucks from Winnipeg, and Thompson drive in on the winter road to bring in freight and fuel. The winter road season opens from February until March. Air transportation is available at the local airstrip that is maintained by Highways and Transportation. Several airlines fly in from Winnipeg, and Thompson daily and each of the companies provide at least one flight a day. Chartering flights is also an option for the people. Also, these companies provide emergency medi-vac services when needed. Docking facilities are available for floatplanes throughout the community’s shoreline.

Communications

Postal Services are provided by the local Post Office that is operated by Canada Post and is located off reserve.

Telephone service is maintained by MTS. MTS provides local and long distance calling, as well as, facsimile lines. In the Island Region, from community to community, calls are local, including God’s Lake Narrows and God’s River.

A community owned Radio Station and Television Station provides free public announcements. Hours of operations vary on circumstances.

Businesses

Red Sucker Lake Gas Bar
Monias Store
Monias Restaruant
Moses Harper’s Store
Andy Little’s Store
Northern Store (off reserve)

At the Local Television Station, a Flea Market is open to the residents on Saturdays. Items vary from food to clothing.

St. Theresa Point is located 610 kilometers Northeast of Winnipeg. The community is accessible by plane and boat in the summer and by winter road in the winter.

Government:

The St.Theresa Point First Nation office is located in the center of the community. Council consists of one Chief and four Councillors, elected according to band custom. Political affiliations are with the Island Lake Tribal Council (ILTC), Manitoba Keewatinohk Okimahkanak (MKO), Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC).The St.Theresa Point First Nation administers the following programs: social assistance, housing, capital projects, operations andmaintenance, water and sewage services, sanitation services, television and radio broadcasting, the community outreach program, justice, policing, recreation, airport project, aboriginal healing foundation, economic development and youth services.

Religion:

Both traditional religious practices and Christianity are observed in the community. There is one church in the community, the Roman Catholic Church.

Health Services:

Health Services are administered by the St.Theresa Point Health Authority and funded by Health Canada. The Health Authority provides the following services: a fully staffed nursing station, a native alcohol and drug abuse program, mental health services, training counselors, family intervention, community liaison person and teen pregnancy counseling.

The nursing station has eight nurses on staff, four community health representatives, two medical drivers, a maintenance worker, and clerical staff. Other professionals, such as doctors, dentists, and pediatricians, visit according to a schedule. The following is a breakdown of that schedule.

Health Professionals & Availability

Doctor - Once a week (3days)

Dentist - Once a week (3days)

Optometrist - Once a year

Pediatrician- Quarterly

Psychologist - Every 2 weeks

Island Lake Family Services:

The Island Lake First Nation Child and Family Services was mandated in April of 1997 and serves the four first nations. The agency falls under the Child and Family Services Act and it provides child protection services, resources for family conciliation, and child development initiatives.

Education:

The St. Theresa Point Education Authority administers educational services. The education authority oversees the everyday operation of the local schools and manages other programs such as the BUNTEP (Brandon University Native Teacher Education Program) program, adult education program and other post-secondary funding services.

St. Theresa Point High School offers grade eight to grade twelve. Two other schools are located within the community for the middle years and elementary. There are over 500 students within the 3 schools. Teachers at St. Theresa Point schools can rent fully furnished suites and homes, complete with plumbing, electricity and heat.

Daycare Center:

A daycare center, administered by the Island Lake Tribal Council, is available to community members. The daycare provides care for infant and pre-school children.

Infrastructure

Water:

The community obtains water directly from Island Lake, which is treated in the local water plant. A few water pumps are available in the community. Water delivery services are provided to the few houses equipped with indoor plumbing. The school has its own treatment plant that provides water to the school building and teacherages.

Electricity:

As part of the North Central Project, St.Theresa Point is linked to the provincial power system. The system was hooked up in July 1999 and replaces the 15-amp service previously supplied by diesel generator.

Policing:

The First Nation employs six special constables to police the community and has 8 individuals training to be special constables. It also has a community patrol initiative program consisting of 6-10 individuals. As well, the community utilizes the RCMP detachment in Island Lake. (Stevenson Island)

Transportation:

The Band owns and operates a van that transports people to and from the nursing station on a 24-hours basis, if needed. Various people provide taxi services in the community. There is a ferry that services the community by taking vehicles across the river. Semi-trucks from Winnipeg, and Thompson drive in on the winter road to bring in freight and fuel. The winter road season opens from February until March. Air transportation is available at the local airstrip that is maintained by Highways and Transportation. Several airlines fly in from Winnipeg, and Thompson daily and each of the companies provide at least one flight a day. Chartering flights is also an option for the people. Also, these companies provide emergency medi-vac services when needed. Docking facilities are available for floatplanes throughout the community’s shoreline.

Communications:

Air transportation is available at the local airport. Highways and Transportation maintain the Airport. Airline companies from Winnipeg and Thompson fly in daily. Chartering services is an option that is available to the community. Docking facilities are available at various locations throughout the community’s lake. There are a few airlines that provide emergency medi-vac and Air Life Flight available from Winnipeg when needed. There is helicopter service available.

Businesses

There are a number of businesses in the community: Klassy Laundromat, Anwaysin Motel, S&V Gas Station, STP Restaurant, Monias Store, Snack Shack, Mason’s Novelty Store, Wood’s Video Store, and Mason’s Video. There is a Northern Store located in the community that is owned by the North West Company.