When the York Factory Hudson’s Bay operation was closed in the 1950′s, Shamattawa was estblished as a permanent settlement. Shamattawa operated as an outpost to York Factory as early as 1915 and in 1934 it became a full post.

Government:

Shamattawa’s administration consists of one chief, four council members and a support staff. The Chief and Council have a two-year term and are elected through Band custom.

Political affiliations that are associated with the Shamattawa First Nation include the Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC), Manitoba Keewatinnohk Okimahkanak (MKO), Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Indian and Northern Affairs of Canada.

Religion:

The religion in Shamattawa consists of traditional and Christian beliefs. There are a few denominations that are present in the community: the Full Gospel Church, the Pentecostal Church, and the Anglican Church. Traditional beliefs are still in place today. Christian beliefs and practices are observed within the community as well as other neighboring First Nation communities.

Health Services:

Shamattawa is equipped with a nursing station that is operated and funded by Health and Welfare Canada under the Medical Services Branch. The nursing station provides acute care as regular clinics and public health programs. Emergency care is available 24 hours a day. Community health representatives are hired by the band to provide prevention and promotional education to the community. The table that follows include the part-time care provided to the people from other health professionals at various times. Emergency medi-vac is available 24 hours a day, weather permitting.

Health Professionals & Availability

Doctor – Once a week

Dentist – Once a month

Optometrist – Once every two years

Pediatrician – Once a month

Psychologist – Once a month

Mental Health Worker – Twice a month

Child and Family Services:

An Awasis Agency office is located in the community that falls under the Child and Family Services Act and provides child protection services resources for family conciliation, and Child Development initiatives. The head office is located in Thompson. The Agency was mandated in 1984 and serves 14 other First Nations.

Social Assistance:

The Social Assistance Program provides assistance and emergency special needs funding to unemployed members in the community. A director and a clerk are employed from the band to administer this program. The percentage of the population that requires the program is approximately eighty-five percent.

Education:

The Abraham Beardy Memorial School has students from kindergarten to grade 9 that attend. All other students from grade 10 to post-secondary have to attend educational institutes off the reserve in Winnipeg, Thompson or Cranberry Portage, MB.

Infrastructure

Water:

The community obtains its water from a water treatment plant. Each community member gets water delivered to them once a week or when needed.

Electricity:

Shamattawa is not linked up to the provincial power system as of yet; a generator that offers 15 amps per household provides its service.

Fire fighting:

The community has a fire hall, which is maintained by community volunteer fire fighters. Natural Resources provide forest fire watch.

Policing

There is a RCMP detachment that is located in the community that services the community. Also, the Shamattawa First Nation hires 2 local band constables that police the community.

Transportation

The Band owns and operates a van that transports people to and from the nursing station on a 24-hours basis, if needed. Various people provide taxi services in the community. There is a ferry that services the community by taking vehicles across the river. Semi-trucks from Winnipeg, and Thompson drive in on the winter road to bring in freight and fuel. The winter road season opens from February until March. Air transportation is available at the local airstrip that is maintained by Highways and Transportation. Several airlines fly in from Winnipeg, and Thompson daily and each of the companies provide at least one flight a day. Chartering flights is also an option for the people. Also, these companies provide emergency medi-vac services when needed. Docking facilities are available for floatplanes throughout the community’s shoreline.

Communications

Postal service is provided from the local post office that is operated by Canada Post. Mail is delivered in and out the community five times a week, weather permitting.

Telephone and Fax line services is provided by MTS.

A community owned radio and television station is located in the band office and provides free public announcements.

Businesses

There are a few businesses present in the community, such as the Drop In Center, which sells drinks, chips, and other snacks. The Northern Store is also present in the community and the Shamattawa Gas Bar.

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