Misipawistik Cree Nation
Misipawistik Cree Nation (MCN) is situated at the mouth of the Saskatchewan River at Lake Winnipeg, and is signatory to Treaty 5 signed in 1875. MCN and the Town of Grand Rapids are situated 420 km north of Winnipeg on the shores of Lake Winnipeg where the Saskatchewan River enters the lake. Since time immemorial, the namēwi nēhinaw ininiwak (Sturgeon Cree people) people lived on the shores of the Saskatchewan River where it enters Lake Winnipeg and relied on the river, lakes and land to provide all that they needed.
The name ‘misipawistik’ translates to grand rapids, the rapids were an important gathering and fishing place providing plenty of fish for the people. The name ‘namēwi nēhinaw ininiwak’ illustrates the importance of fish, particularly sturgeon, to the people of the area.
The construction of the hydroelectric dam and re-routing of the Saskatchewan River in the 1960’s have left a dry riverbed where the rapids once were. Despite the loss of the rapids and the sturgeon, the people maintain a strong connection to the lands and waters in Misipawistik. Fishing and trapping will continue to be important for the growing population of MCN and the economic and social security of the youth require conservation of the land, animals and waters. Other sources of employment on-reserve are with the MCN Health Authority, MCN Administration, Pelican Landing Gas Bar, Restaurant and VLT’s and the University College of the North facility.
Becky Cook
Becky Cook is Ininiw from Misipawistik Cree Nation. Her father was a fisherman on Lake Winnipeg and every fall her whole family would accompany him to the fall fishing camp at MacBeth Point. Her parents also took the family to ceremony, fast camps, and culture camps where they learned about their culture. Becky was always interested in the natural world and how it works which eventually led to her receiving her B.Sc in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Manitoba in 2006. She spent four years working in the Oil and Gas sector in Calgary before she began work on her Ph.D which she received in 2015 from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. After completing her Ph.D she returned home to Manitoba to continue her traditional education learning from the Elders. She is currently working with the Misipawistik Cree Nation Lands Department on various projects including land-based education programming for youth, MCN kanawenihcikew guardians, and land monitoring programs.
How did you get involved with LWIC?
Chief Heidi Cook had designated me to be a part of LWIC, and I have been with LWIC since 2016.
What does Water mean to you?
I grew up by the lake and I feel a strong connection to Lake Winnipeg. Water is so important, one of my teachers calls it the first medicine as it protects us in the womb and makes up a huge part of our being, we can't survive without it. Growing up on Lake Winnipeg my family relied on it for employment, culture, ceremony, and recreation. These experiences are a big motivation for me in my work, I want future generations to have the same opportunities.
What is your favourite water activity?
Just being out on the boat and camping on the lake. Basically everything, like fishing, canoeing, and picking medicines in the water.
LWIC Perspectives Video Series
LWIC Perspectives: Misipawistik Cree Nation (2017)