First Nation builds a caring community

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The Ontario Trillium Foundation awards $20,000 each year to five "Caring Communities." These awards go to communities whose imagination and collaboration have led to specific and long-lasting achievements, especially in the face of limited resources and difficult situations. The Rainy River First Nations, in secluded northwestern Ontario, is one of these exemplary communities. The reserve will put the prize money toward the creation of a new community resource centre.

"It's great to be recognized," said Chief Jim Leonard. He remembers, 30 years ago, when there was little employment in the community and what there was was seasonal. Most families needed social assistance and many just left the community to find work.

"Now, the unemployment is virtually zero and, sometimes, we have to import workers." He attributes this change of fortune to a stable band council that set long-term goals and stayed consistent in its vision.

The types of businesses that have thrived in the area are largely resource-based. A computerized sawmill employs 30 people. The Manitou Fish Hatchery, developed in 1992, has been a great success. It began as a sturgeon research facility and is now a commercial operation to raise sturgeon. There is also a window manufacturing shop and several licensed trades.

Currently, the community is in partnership with the American and Canadian governments, local businesses, and landowners in environmental conservation programs. As a result, the Rainy River Watershed program has been established to oversee the river and wildlife in the district.

Another addition to employment opportunities in the area is the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre that opened on May 14. The 15,000 sq. ft centre is situated on the national historic site of the Manitou Mounds - an ancient burial site on the north shore of the Rainy River. The Ojibway name means a "place at the long rapids." Five galleries display photographs, dioramas, and artifacts. A conservation lab houses more than 10,000 artifacts. The restaurant serves traditional Ojibway dishes and the gift shop specializes in locally-made arts and crafts. This impressive cultural centre employs a staff of 20 and has the potential to develop into a major attraction for visitors from around the world.

The resource centre that will be completed with the award money is to be a community gathering place. Leonard sees it as a place where Elders will socialize, families will come together, residents will learn to use computers, do research, or get assistance from resource staff. It will replace the gymnasium that was used primarily for sports and recreation.

The Rainy River First Nations has 737 registered members with 253 living on the reserve located between Rainy Lake and the Lake of the Woods. In the last decade, there has been a concentrated effort to work on health and social concerns, as well as improving the spiritual aspects of life.

"The community is very proud of the improvements made here," said Leonard.