Poplar River First Nation

"The land is so important to us it is
just like sacred or holy ground."
- John Charles McDonald, Elder

Poplar River, Manitoba
R0B 0Z0
P:204-244-2267
F:204-244-2690

"We as First Nation people in this territory have had this natural environment for generations. We have lived off this land. We have sustained our families on this land. We do not have pollution, our trees in their natural state are still there, including our boreal forest. The animals and all living things are well in our area and we want to keep it that way." -Poplar River community member

Poplar River Today

Current Programs

Poplar River First Nation manages and operates all existing services in the community. The financial responsibility amounts to over $10 million annually and clear audits have consistently been received in recent years. All management is carried out for housing, infrastructure (roads, sewer and water) and capital purchasing. There is a complete management capacity and structure in place for a present staff of 108.

We have a full-time fire chief and volunteer fire department, two full time police constables and access to the RCMP as required. We deliver a full range of health programs and community social services - e.g. home care nursing, AIDS Awareness, Community Exercise Gym, Diabetes Education, Aboriginal Headstart Program, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program, a Group Home, a seniors independent living centre, the Pinethewapikung Program, and a fully staffed day care centre. Child and Family Services are affiliated with the Southeast Tribal Council and are controlled locally. There is a four bed foster care unit.

Poplar River First Nation operates its own education plan from kindergarten to grade 9. Students can finish their grade twelve by attending school in Winnipeg, and the community supports those who go to university or college. The community school includes trips into the community's traditional territory for students. The education director for Poplar First plans curriculum, including for retention of aboriginal language, and history.

We have a Lands Management Program that is responsible for traditional territory management. This program provided management oversight in the preparation of our lands management plan, Asatiwisipe Aki Lands Management Plan.

The Fishing Station is an important part of the local economy, packing and shipping fish harvested by over 56 commercially licensed fishers. The Trapper Association manages trap lines and at present there are approximately 30 licensed trappers. Mitasosipi Trading operates the grocery store. Sagatay Lodging provides a new bed and breakfast service in the community. Community contractors carry out various construction projects - e.g. sewer and water, road construction and maintenance.

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Contact Ray Rabliauskas, Lands Management Coordinator
Poplar River, Manitoba, Canada R0B 0Z0 Ph: 204-244-2267 Fax: 204-244-2690
E-mail: info@PoplarRiverFirstNation.ca or the webmaster@PoplarRiverFirstNation.ca