The research will take place in communities, selected by community partners, within the Prince Albert Grand Council district in the northern geographic area of Saskatchewan (see map). The newly formed Athabasca Health Authority (AHA) has, during the period of the project, assumed responsibility for health service delivery in the Athabasca region. At the request of the Chief Executive Officer of AHA, who is part of the research team, three provincial communities in the region that will be serviced by AHA were added to the project. These three provincial communities, with a significant number of First Nations and Aboriginal people, are:
The community of Black Lake is located approximately 170 km southeast of Uranium City in the Athabasca basin region of Saskatchewan, and is 32,819 hectares in size. There are approximately 1,630 band members, of which 1,320 reside on reserve land. The community recently held a grand opening for a 9 million dollar health centre, located on the Chicken Reserve. Other economic development activities include the construction of a 190 km seasonal road from Points North to Black Lake. Health and human services on the reserve include the health centre, a daycare facility, NNADAP program and Athabasca Child and Family Services.
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The community of Cumberland House is the oldest permanent settlement in Saskatchewan, founded in 1774, and is situated approximately 175 km north of Carrot River. The island community on Pine Island in the Saskatchewan River delta includes both the First Nation and the provincial community. Reserve land measures approximately 2,145 hectares in size. The Cree Nation signed Treaty 5 in 1875, and consists of the Pine Bluff, Musket River and Budds Point bands. There are approximately 940 registered band members, with over 500 living on reserve. Access to the community was greatly improved in 1996 with the completion of the Cumberland House bridge, which made it possible for people to avoid the hazardous river crossings when the ferry was unusable. The community is home to, many services including modern health care facilities, stores, an arena, cafes, motels, churches and governmental agencies.
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The Fond du Lac Denesuline Nation is located on the east end of Lake Athabasca in northern Saskatchewan and is 23,441 or about 36,800 hectares in size. The primary language spoken in the community is Dene. Community leaders signed Treaty 8 in 1899 and celebrations were held in 1999 in honour of the 100th anniversary of the signing. There are approximately 1,560 registered band members, with 860 living on reserve. Employment is provided through the Band, local schools, and mining companies as well as local industry. The community hosts an annual youth conference, which is attended by youth from the community and surrounding areas.
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The Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation of Saskatchewan is located 354 km northwest of Flin Flon on the east side of Wollaston Lake and is 11,020 hectares in size. Road access to the community requires crossing the lake via an ice road in winter and lake barge in summer. The community is also accessible by air. Hatchet Lake is a Dene-speaking community with approximately 1,250 registered band members, 949 of whom live on reserve. Community leaders signed Treaty 10 in 1907. The community holds an annual caribou hunt, which teaches hunting and survival skills, meat dressing and preparation to youth who develop traditional skills and confidence.
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The Red Earth Cree Nation is located approximately 90 km east of Nipawin, Saskatchewan, and is 2,281 hectares in size. Of the approximately 1,200 registered band members, 1000 live on reserve. Economic development in the forestry area has been facilitated by the creation of the SMADA Development Corporation, co-managed by Red Earth and Shoal Lake First Nations. The community signed Treaty 6 but currently adheres to Treaty 5.
The Wahpeton Dakota Nation is located approximately 10 km north of Prince Albert on 1,547 hectares of land. The native language spoken by members of this non-treaty band is Dakota. Of the approximately 400 band members, 250 live on reserve. Much of the economic activity consists of agriculture, land leases and off reserve employment. Wahpeton is home to a daycare facility, band office, school complex and gymnasium.
The community of Camsell Portage is located on the north shore of Lake Athabasca in northern Saskatchewan. The settlement is a predominantly Dene community of approximately 40 people where the majority of residents still practice a traditional way of life, living off the land by way of fish, game and fur. Camsell Portage School consists of grades K-9 with one permanent teacher. Internet and satellite services are now available to community members. The community is only accessible by air.
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Stony Rapids is a northern hamlet located 665 km north of La Ronge on the south shore of the Fond du Lac River east of Lake Athabasca. Stony Rapids is accessible by air and winter road. During summer months residents often travel by boat to surrounding communities. The community has a number of businesses and services available to its members including a school, two stores, a hotel and two air service providers. The abundant wildlife surrounding the hamlet is used to supplement incomes and food supplies, which helps offset the high cost of living in the north.
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The provincial community of Uranium City is located on the north shore of Lake Athabasca, approximately 450 km northwest of Prince Albert. Uranium City has a population of approximately 212 citizens. All goods and services are transported to the community by air, winter road and summer barging services. Services located in the community include an airport, bulk fuel station, Department of Saskatchewan Highways, Canada Post, two air carriers, as well as a church, arena, curling rink and school.
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