Azaadiwi-ziibiing
(Poplar River First Nation)
Poplar River became apart of Treaty 5 on September 20, 1875. Poplar River First Nation is located approximately 450 kilometers from Winnipeg, on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. The remote community is located at the mouth of the Poplar River as it enters into Lake Winnipeg. The people of Poplar River have archaeological evidence of continual occupancy in this area for at least 7,000 years.
In the summer you can travel to Poplar River by boat and/or air transportation from Winnipeg, and in the winter there is an 80 kilometer winter road from Poplar River to Berens River First Nation which connects to the all weather road network to Winnipeg.
Poplar River supports a vibrant and active commercial fishing industry. There are several community members who own commercial fishing licenses and fish over the course of the spring, fall and winter fishing seasons. The main species which are caught and sold are Pickerel and Whitefish. The commercial fishing on Lake Winnipeg is strictly regulated to ensure its sustainability.
Poplar River owns and operates the Poplar River Fishing Station which supports this industry. Fishers prepare their fish which are weighed and packed in ice at the station and then shipped south by barge on a regular basis. The Fresh Water Fish Marketing Board purchases the fish from the individual fisher.
Poplar River is part of the Pimachiowin Aki Communities Lands Guardian Program, and has developed a Lands Guardian Program to safeguard the protected lands and to ensure the elders land teachings are shared with Poplar River’s youth.
Ray Rabliauskas
Lands Coordinator - Community Planning & Guardian Program
How did you get involved with LWIC?
Poplar River was one of the original communities who partnered with LWIC when it first started. The most important partners we have are other First Nations and we were very happy to work with those communities from around Lake Winnipeg who care for its wellbeing.
What does Water mean to you?
Water brings and gives us life, both spiritual and physical. I have been fortunate to have lived close to fresh clean water, full of all kinds of life, most of my life. I can’t imagine ever living anywhere else.
What is your favorite Water activity?
Drinking water from the Poplar River while traveling inland. There is nothing intrusive there and the water is very clean, much cleaner than where we live. The land and all its life is beautiful and strong. I spend most of my time now just watching the river with all its life pass by.