|
The vast and beautiful territory
which surrounds Wunnumin Lake First Nation has always been
carefully utilized and preserved by the local native people as their aboriginal
homeland. Their rights to culture, fishing, gathering, hunting, language,
and trapping were granted to them by the Great Creator and therefore it
is not surprising that their relationship to the land is combined with
respect and responsibility.
Brief History:
During 1929 - 1930 the leaders of Wunnumin Lake First Nation were summand
to Big Trout Lake to participate in the signing of the adhesion to Treaty
No. 9. It is interesting to note that Wunnumin Lake First Nation was given
land allocation at this time.
In 1947 the Ontario government enacted the trapline registration and fee
system which forced the Wunnumin Lake people to outline trapping areas
and also begin paying for the land use. Many native people were placed
under duress as the result of provincial law. These resource regulations
did not provide the native any option but to adhere foreign laws.
In 1964 the Wunnumin Lake people decided to establish their own permanent
community which is still located on the western part of Wunnumin Lake.
Location:
Wunnumin Lake Reserve is situated within the Sioux Lookout district.
Latitude 53 N
Longitude 89 W
360 km northeast of Sioux Lookout Nearest Neighboring Community Kingfisher
Lake First Nation 40 km west of Wunnumin Lake.
Size:
Wunnumin Lake reserve has been divided into two sections of alloted land. The current inhabited land consists of 5,855hectares (22.61 square miles) and then uninhabited land containing 3,797 hectares (14.66 square miles) is located several km east, on the southern shores of Wunnumin Lake.
Population:
(September 2002)
The Current Band membership of Wunnumin Lake First Nation is quoted to
be 489 residents and 25 off-reserve.
Accessibility:
The community can be accessed primarily through air transportation, however
during certain seasons one can also travel to this community using either
the winter trails, winter road system or waterways.
Natural Environment:
Wunnumin Lake and surrounding areas has a large variety of wildlife, aquatic
life and forest vegetation. These resources have benefited the local residents
both personally and commercially.
Language:
The first language of Wunnumin Lake people is a combination of Ojibway
and Cree, other wise known as oji-cree. It is estimated that over half
of the population can speak English language fluently, but the native
language is permanently established in the community.
News:
|