Swan River First Nation
Swan River First Nation

LOCATION: Swan River First Nation is located on the south, central shore of Lesser Slave Lake
LAND AREA: Swan River First Nation reserves 150E and 150F
POPULATION: Swan River First Nation has a total registered population of 1198 people, of which 374 currently live on Swan River Reserve.
CHIEF AND COUNCIL: Chief Lee Twinn, Councillor Ryan Davis, Councillor Mark Giroux, Councillor Patrick Chalifoux
STAFF: There are over 50 full and part-time staff members and contractors that carry out a range of functions

About

Swan River First Nation, a Woodland Cree community on the south-central shore of Lesser Slave Lake, is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage and connection to the land. Historically, the Woodland Cree’s social structure centered around nuclear families and local bands, with seasonal cycles of hunting, trapping, and gathering essential to their way of life. The arrival of the fur trade in the late 18th century introduced new economic opportunities and challenges, leading to significant changes in the region. The signing of Treaty 8 in 1899 marked a crucial turning point, establishing formal reserves and new governance structures.

Today, Swan River First Nation remains committed to preserving its cultural practices and promoting the well-being of its community. The community focuses on education, sustainable development, and decolonization efforts to ensure a prosperous future. By maintaining their traditions and fostering a strong sense of identity, Swan River First Nation aims to build a legacy of resilience, health, and cultural richness for generations to come.

 

Mission

Being Indigenous means embracing our identity and heritage as Woodland Cree, where Land is Life and Language is Power. Guided by the wisdom and traditions of our ancestors, the Swan River First Nation is dedicated to fostering a resilient and united community. We honor our heritage by preserving our cultural practices, decolonizing our diet through hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering, and maintaining our deep connection to the land and its resources. We believe that Freedom is on the other side of fear, and Change happens one warrior at a time.

Our mission is to understand and address our unique situation as a distinct group of people and as individuals, shedding light on the effects of colonization and finding pathways to a healthier, more prosperous life. Through sustainable development, education, and stewardship, we strive to create a thriving environment for current and future generations. We aim to strengthen our community, protect our heritage, and ensure the well-being of all our members, recognizing that a comprehensive understanding of our history and identity is crucial for true health and direction.

Together, we will decolonize our minds and actions, sharing knowledge and solutions from Indigenous leaders to overcome negative patterns and build a better future. 

Vision

We envision a future where the Swan River First Nation stands as a beacon of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. Rooted in our Woodland Cree heritage, we see our community thriving through the strength of our traditions, the power of our language, and the sacred bond with our land. We aspire to a world where every member of our community lives a healthy, empowered life, free from the shadows of colonization.

Our vision is one of self-sufficiency and sustainability, where hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering are not only means of sustenance but also symbols of our independence and identity. We foresee a community where education and understanding of our unique history and situation illuminate pathways to personal and collective well-being.

In this future, we are warriors of positive change, each step forward driven by courage and a commitment to decolonization. We aim to create an environment where knowledge is shared, voices are heard, and every individual feels a profound connection to their roots and a clear direction for their future.

Together, we will build a legacy of health, prosperity, and cultural richness for the Swan River First Nation, ensuring that our traditions and values continue to guide us for generations to come.