	PAST & PRESENT English River First Nation is located at Patuanak, Saskatchewan and contains seven different reserves registered under English River First Nation. There is: • Cree Lake 192G • Porter Island 192H • Elak Dase 192A • Knee Lake 192B • Dipper Rapids 192C • Wapachewunak 192D • LaPlonge 192 English River First Nation emerged from the signing of the Treaty 10 in 1906. The name originates from the English River where the poplar house people inhabited the area for periods during the year. Years ago, the reserve was known as Grassy Narrows reserve. Most families, which now reside in Patuanak, had traditionally lived down river at Primeau Lake, Knee Lake and Dipper Lake. The Chief at the time of signing was Chief William Apesis. Patuanak is a Dene speaking community with an average of 1,000 people with over 600 living on reserve. The village is situated near Churchill River, which allows for fishing hunting and gathering. There are no paved roads in Patuanak and only one grid road leading in and out of Patuanak. The other way of travel is by boat. An individual can cross the lake to Ile a la Crosse and in the winter, the route is taken by snowmobile. Education has always been a big part of English River First Nation with the children going to Residential Schools in Ile a la Crosse and Beauval. The Elementary school was first built in 1971, and by 1995 the band had erected a modern structure for the children’s benefit. High School students continued travelling to Meadow Lake, La Ronge and Beauval for secondary schooling, until the High school was completed in 2000. The Roman Catholic church has been a prominent part of the community. Father Louis Moraud, in 1916 the resident priest of Patuanak. He served the English River area until his death in 1965. There is a one-day pilgrimage to the Grotto near the church, which has faithful followers from English River and surrounding communities. The main denomination is Roman Catholic. Today, English River First Nation thrives with many of the people owning their own businesses from daycare and cafes to outfitters and rental stores. Many are employed at the local Northern Store, the Band Office, the Clinic, Aboriginal Headstart Program and at the Gas Bar. English River First Nation also owns Tron Power, a company located in Saskatoon, which delivers a full range of construction services with the mining industries in Northern Saskatchewan. Patuanak, itself as a reserve and town is a prospering place. It lies beside the Churchill River, which never freezes over in the winter and is surrounded by lush vegetation in the summer. The Band Office is a popular place, with the Elders and Youth stopping by to voice their concerns with the Chief and Council. ENGLISH RIVER FIRST NATION LINKS • www.tronpower.com (ERFN business) • www.sasktelwebsite.net/stlosc/ (St. Louis School)

PAST & PRESENT

English River First Nation is located at Patuanak, Saskatchewan and contains seven different reserves registered under English River First Nation.

There is:

• Cree Lake 192G
• Porter Island 192H
• Elak Dase 192A
• Knee Lake 192B
• Dipper Rapids 192C
• Wapachewunak 192D
• LaPlonge 192

English River First Nation emerged from the signing of the Treaty 10 in 1906. The name originates from the English River where the poplar house people inhabited the area for periods during the year. Years ago, the reserve was known as Grassy Narrows reserve. Most families, which now reside in Patuanak, had traditionally lived down river at Primeau Lake, Knee Lake and Dipper Lake.

The Chief at the time of signing was Chief William Apesis. Patuanak is a Dene speaking community with an average of 1,000 people with over 600 living on reserve. The village is situated near Churchill River, which allows for fishing hunting and gathering.

There are no paved roads in Patuanak and only one grid road leading in and out of Patuanak. The other way of travel is by boat. An individual can cross the lake to Ile a la Crosse and in the winter, the route is taken by snowmobile.

Education has always been a big part of English River First Nation with the children going to Residential Schools in Ile a la Crosse and Beauval. The Elementary school was first built in 1971, and by 1995 the band had erected a modern structure for the children’s benefit. High School students continued travelling to Meadow Lake, La Ronge and Beauval for secondary schooling, until the High school was completed in 2000.

The Roman Catholic church has been a prominent part of the community. Father Louis Moraud, in 1916 the resident priest of Patuanak. He served the English River area until his death in 1965. There is a one-day pilgrimage to the Grotto near the church, which has faithful followers from English River and surrounding communities. The main denomination is Roman Catholic.

Today, English River First Nation thrives with many of the people owning their own businesses from daycare and cafes to outfitters and rental stores. Many are employed at the local Northern Store, the Band Office, the Clinic, Aboriginal Headstart Program and at the Gas Bar. English River First Nation also owns Tron Power, a company located in Saskatoon, which delivers a full range of construction services with the mining industries in Northern Saskatchewan.

Patuanak, itself as a reserve and town is a prospering place. It lies beside the Churchill River, which never freezes over in the winter and is surrounded by lush vegetation in the summer. The Band Office is a popular place, with the Elders and Youth stopping by to voice their concerns with the Chief and Council.

ENGLISH RIVER FIRST NATION LINKS

• www.tronpower.com (ERFN business)
• www.sasktelwebsite.net/stlosc/ (St. Louis School)

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