Bearskin Lake First Nation

Bearskin Lake
Indian reserve
Bearskin Lake Indian Reserve
Aerial view of Bearskin Lake First Nation on Michikan Lake Aerial view of Bearskin Lake First Nation on Michikan Lake
Bearskin Lake
Coordinates:
Country	Canada
Province	Ontario
District	Kenora
First Nation	Bearskin Lake
Area
• Land	125.78 km2 (48.56 sq mi)
Population (2006)
• Total	459

Bearskin Lake First Nation is an Oji-Cree First Nation reserve in the Canadian province of Ontario, located in the Kenora District 425 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout. Bearskin First Nation's total registered population in March, 2014, was 900, of which their on-reserve population was 461.

Three settlements make up the Bearskin Lake First Nation. Originally located on Bearskin Lake, their main community moved to its present site on Michikan (Fish Trap) Lake in the 1930s. Their main settlement, located on Michikan Lake is accessible only by air or winter road. The main village is situated on the west shore of the lake and all three communities are tied to one another by all weather gravel roads. The First Nation still retains the 12,626.3 ha Bearskin Lake Indian Reserve.

Prior to achieving full Band and reserve status in 1975, Bearskin was a satellite community of the Big Trout Lake First Nation. Today, Bearskin Lake First Nation is a member of the Windigo First Nations Council, a regional tribal council that is a member of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Bearskin Lake is policed by the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, an Aboriginal-based service.

Governance

Bearskin First Nation is governed by Chief Rosemary McKay and her Deputy Chief Leonard "Wayne" Brown; their 3-year term began on April 1, 2014. In addition, the First Nation's Council is four councillors: George Chapman, Cecilia Fiddler, George Kamenawatamin, and Roderick Kamenawatamin.

External links

• Chiefs of Ontario profile
• AANDC profile