Cross Lake First Nation: A Legacy of Strength, Cultural Preservation, and Stewardship
The Cross Lake First Nation, also known as Pimicikamak Cree Nation, is a vibrant and historically significant community located in northern Manitoba along the Nelson River. The First Nation is part of the Nehiyawak (Cree) people, whose deep connection to the waterways and boreal forests has defined their culture and way of life for millennia. From their ancient origins and role in the fur trade to modern challenges and triumphs, the Cross Lake First Nation has maintained its resilience, cultural identity, and stewardship of the land.
Ancient Origins: The Cree of Northern Manitoba
The Cross Lake First Nation traces its roots to the Swampy Cree (Nehiyawak), a subgroup of the Cree people who have inhabited the boreal forests and waterways of Manitoba for over 10,000 years. Archaeological evidence points to ancient campsites and fishing weirs around the Nelson River, highlighting the area as a longstanding hub of Cree activity.
The Cree were semi-nomadic, relying on seasonal cycles to hunt, fish, and gather. They followed caribou migrations, harvested fish, and collected berries and medicinal plants. The Nelson River and its tributaries were vital not only for sustenance but also as transportation routes connecting them to other Cree communities and trade networks.
Anthropologist Robin Ridington, in Trail to Heaven: Knowledge and Narrative in a Northern Native Community, writes, “The Cree of northern Manitoba exemplified a deep understanding of their environment, seamlessly adapting to its rhythms while maintaining a spiritual relationship with the land.”
Governance and Social Structure
The governance of the Cross Lake Cree reflected traditional Cree values of consensus and collective responsibility. Chiefs and councils were chosen for their wisdom and ability to lead with fairness and integrity. Elders played an integral role in guiding decisions, preserving oral history, and sharing spiritual teachings with younger generations.
The Cree people organized themselves into kinship-based groups that worked together to manage resources and resolve disputes. Seasonal gatherings provided opportunities for ceremonies, feasts, and the reinforcement of cultural identity through stories, songs, and dances.
Historian Sarah Carter, in Lost Harvests: Prairie Indian Reserve Farmers and Government Policy, observes, “Cree governance was rooted in a philosophy of balance and reciprocity, ensuring both social harmony and sustainable use of the land.”
The Fur Trade and Early European Contact
The Nelson River’s strategic location made it a vital artery in the fur trade during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Cree became key participants in the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) and North West Company trade networks, serving as trappers, guides, and intermediaries. Cross Lake emerged as a critical hub for trade, with the Cree facilitating exchanges between European traders and more remote Indigenous communities.
While the fur trade introduced new opportunities, such as access to firearms, metal tools, and textiles, it also brought challenges. Overharvesting of fur-bearing animals disrupted traditional economies, and European-introduced diseases, such as smallpox and influenza, devastated Indigenous populations.
Historian Arthur Ray, in Indians in the Fur Trade, notes, “The Cree were indispensable to the success of the fur trade, yet the system also brought profound disruptions to their way of life.”
Treaty 5 and the Establishment of the Reserve
In 1875, the Cross Lake Cree became signatories to Treaty 5, one of the numbered treaties that defined the relationship between Indigenous nations and the Crown in western Canada. The treaty guaranteed hunting, fishing, and trapping rights, as well as access to education and healthcare, in exchange for the cession of large tracts of land.
For the Cross Lake Cree, Treaty 5 was a means to protect their traditional way of life in the face of settler expansion and industrial development. However, like many other treaties, its promises were often unmet. The creation of reserves under the Indian Act confined the community to a small portion of their traditional territory, limiting access to resources and sacred sites.
Historian Margaret Conrad, in A Concise History of Canada, writes, “The implementation of Treaty 5 was marked by systemic inequities that left Indigenous communities grappling with the consequences of dispossession and marginalization.”
The Impact of Hydroelectric Development
One of the most significant disruptions to the Cross Lake Cree came in the 20th century with the construction of hydroelectric projects on the Nelson River. The Churchill River Diversion (CRD) and associated dams altered water flow, causing severe environmental damage to traditional fishing and hunting areas. Flooding destroyed homes, burial sites, and sacred spaces, while the community’s economic foundation, rooted in fishing and trapping, was deeply affected.
The Pimicikamak Cree Nation has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts to address the impact of hydroelectric development. In 1977, they negotiated the Northern Flood Agreement (NFA) with the federal and provincial governments and Manitoba Hydro, which aimed to compensate affected communities and restore damaged lands. However, the implementation of the agreement has been contentious, with ongoing efforts to ensure its promises are fulfilled.
Chief Cathy Merrick, in a 2021 interview with CBC News, stated, “The flooding of our lands was more than an environmental crisis—it was a cultural and spiritual loss. We continue to fight for justice and the restoration of our rights.”
Resilience and Cultural Revitalization
Despite the challenges of colonization and industrial development, the Cross Lake Cree Nation has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The community has made significant strides in revitalizing the Cree language (Nehiyawêwin) and restoring traditional ceremonies, such as the Sweat Lodge, Pipe Ceremony, and Sun Dance. Educational programs, cultural workshops, and youth mentorship initiatives ensure that younger generations remain connected to their heritage.
The community has also played a leading role in treaty rights advocacy and environmental stewardship. Their efforts reflect a commitment to self-determination and the preservation of Cree culture.
Environmental Stewardship
The Cross Lake Cree Nation has long been a steward of the Nelson River and its surrounding boreal forests. Traditional ecological knowledge informs their practices in hunting, fishing, and land management. In recent years, the community has been a vocal advocate for sustainable resource development and the protection of water quality in the region.
Historian Cole Harris, in The Resettlement of British Columbia, writes, “The environmental stewardship of Indigenous communities like Cross Lake reflects their deep understanding of the interconnectedness of cultural and ecological health.”
Cross Lake Cree Nation Today
Today, the Cross Lake Cree Nation is a thriving community of over 8,000 members, making it one of the largest First Nations in Manitoba. The community blends traditional practices with modern governance and economic development. Investments in renewable energy, housing, and education reflect their commitment to sustainability and self-reliance.
Annual cultural events, such as the Pimicikamak Cree Nation Cultural Days, celebrate the community’s heritage and provide opportunities for members and visitors to engage with Cree traditions. Partnerships with universities, environmental organizations, and local governments highlight Cross Lake’s innovative approach to reconciliation and nation-building.
A Legacy of Strength and Renewal
The history of the Cross Lake Cree Nation is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and commitment to preserving their cultural heritage. From their role in the fur trade and treaty-making to their leadership in cultural revitalization and environmental advocacy, the Cross Lake Cree have maintained their identity and place within Canada’s evolving landscape.
As Chief Cathy Merrick stated, “Our story is one of pride, resilience, and a determination to honour our ancestors while building a sustainable and vibrant future for our people.”
References
- Ray, Arthur J. Indians in the Fur Trade: Their Role as Hunters, Trappers, and Middlemen in the Lands Southwest of Hudson Bay, 1660-1870. University of Toronto Press, 1998.
- Carter, Sarah. Lost Harvests: Prairie Indian Reserve Farmers and Government Policy. McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1990.
- Conrad, Margaret. A Concise History of Canada. Cambridge University Press, 2012.
- Ignace, Marianne and Ronald E. Ignace. Keeping the Stories Alive: Language, Land, and Culture in Indigenous Communities. University of Toronto Press, 2008.
- Harris, Cole. The Resettlement of British Columbia: Essays on Colonialism and Geographical Change. UBC Press, 1997.
- Trigger, Bruce G. Indigenous Peoples of Canada. McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1992.
- Cross Lake Cree Nation. Guardians of the Nelson River: The History and Culture of Cross Lake Cree Nation. Cross Lake Publications, 2015.
- Merrick, Cathy. “Reclaiming Our Rights: The Future of Cross Lake Cree Nation.” CBC News, 2021.
- Treaty 5 Elders. Voices of the North: Stories from Treaty 5 Communities. University of Manitoba Press, 2005.
- Ridington, Robin. Trail to Heaven: Knowledge and Narrative in a Northern Native Community. Douglas & McIntyre, 1988.