Pinaymootang First Nation
Fairford River is shaped like a “Breast of a Partridge” which translates to Pinaymootang in Ojibway. Pinaymootang brings together the closeness that Winnipeg cannot offer. In Winnipeg, there are strangers everywhere, no one knows your name. While Pinaymootang has that closeness factor, you know everyone whether that be extended family, family, and/or friends.
Pinaymootang First Nation is currently developing treaty grounds for the 150th celebration of the signing of Treaty 2 in August 2021.
[Image of Fairford River, Manitoba]
Blair Thompson, a council member of Pinaymootang First Nation
How did you get involved with LWIC?
Councilors from my community invited me to be apart of Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective. I am still new at this but looking forward to working with LWIC and the other members.
What does Water mean to you?
It’s like that common saying “Water is Life”, but for me, it is life. I drive by Fairford River every single day. I always wonder – is it time to fish? I wonder how the fisherman are doing? I can’t wait to get out there.
What is your favorite Water activity?
Fishing. However, I am not a commercial fisher. If I am having a bad day, I just like to get out a cast a rod. It’s truly the best thing.