Poplar River First Nation (Ojibwe: Azaadiwi-ziibing) is an Ojibwa First Nation in Manitoba, Canada. It is named after the Poplar River, which is the main river on which it resides.
Its landbase is the Poplar River 16, an Indian reserve located approximately on the east side of Lake Winnipeg at the mouth of the Poplar River. The largest city nearest this community is Winnipeg, located approximately to the south.
The Southeast Resource Development Council is the Tribal Council affiliated with this First Nation. Poplar River is part of Treaty 5 Adhesion, signed on 20 September 1875.
Demographics
Poplar River First Nation is . As of 2013, the total population of registered First Nation peoples was 1,543, with 1245 on-reserve, and 298 off-reserve. The primary language spoken is Ojibwe, with some blending of the Cree dialect also known as Oji-Cree. The majority of surnames are Bruce, Franklin, and Berens.
There is an additional population consisting of Métis and non-status First Nations residing in the community, previously having a neighbouring Métis settlement, but it was abandoned.
The community has no municipality, district, or any other town associated or connected with it.
The people of Poplar River are viewed as a "proud" people. The people are non-prejudiced towards those of different backgrounds. Younger people will often affectionately refer to Poplar River as "Poplar River #16" or simply "#16" due to the treaty adhesion number. This has been the case for many decades.
The two main religions practiced in Poplar River are Roman Catholic and Pentecostal.
Community
The town itself is embedded along the main Poplar River with the primary township located on an atoll of land between Poplar River and Franklin River. The majority of the population resides along these two rivers, including three habitable islands located within the main Poplar River. Gravel highways exists throughout all of the community and bridges cross both rivers to connect all areas of the community. There are no paved concrete or asphalt roads or sidewalks.
Even though most people today use automobiles and walking power to travel the gravel paved roads, the use of watercraft and winter snowmobiles still remains.
Called Asatiwisipe Aki by the First Nation, their traditional land has been designated as a protected area with the support of the Manitoba government. It is one of the last remaining pristine river areas in the world, particularly in southern Canada. The river is very clean, with little or no man-made pollutants in the watershed. The Poplar River area may soon be designated as a section of a United Nations Heritage Site.
Amenities and businesses
Northern, or The North West Company, is the largest business selling general merchandise ranging from household goods, food, petroleum products, electronics, clothing and more. Its predecessor was Hudson's Bay Company. The costs of goods in this community are higher than the Canadian average due to having to ship products via airplane, barge (during the summer months) or truck (during the winter months) from the main distribution outlets in Selkirk or Winnipeg, which are hundreds of kilometres south. Mitasosipe Trading Post is the second largest store selling general merchandise. Negginan Harbour Authority Inc. is the main small craft docking station which is officially governed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Poplar River Elder's Lodge is a care facility for Poplar River's elderly population. During the winter months, Poplar River is accessible via winter road. It is accessible year round via airplane, and via barge or water vessels during the summer months. The majority of residents have modern conveniences of running water, plumbing and trash removal. This community does not recycle. Children attend Poplar River Elementary School from grade 1 to 9. This school features a modern gymnasium, library and standard education programs. Members who pursue education beyond grade 9 must attend high schools, universities or colleges off reserve. Most members of this community have broadband internet access. In addition, many households own satellite receivers for their television entertainment needs. Youth of this community are influenced by national and international pop culture including music, movies and fashion trends from around the world due to satellite television and the internet.
Environment
The water, land, forest and beaches continue to remain free of pollution and industrial activity.