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FOUNDING MEMBERS:
- Chief Harry Cook, Bloodvein First Nation
- Chief Jim Bear, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
- Chief James Swain, Berens River First Nation
- Chief Jim Thunder, Buffalo Point First Nation
- Chief Lawrence Morrisseau, Fort Alexander First Nation
- Chief Arnold Williams, Hollow Water First Nation
- Chief Henry Bird, Black River First Nation
- Chief John J. Leveque, Little Grand Rapids First Nation
- Chief Albert Bittern, Poplar River First Nation
- Chief Eugene Courchene, VP, Southeast Region, MIB
CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS & MEMBER COMMUNITIES:
- Chief George Kemp, Berens River First Nation (Chairman)
- Chief Roland Hamilton, Bloodvein River First Nation
- Chief Deborah Chief, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
- Chief Larry Barker, Hollow Water First Nation
- Chief Sheldon Kent, Black River First Nation
- Chief Martin Owens, Little Grand Rapids First Nation
- Chief Harold Crow, Pauingassi First Nation
- Chief Russell Lambert, Poplar River First Nation
Population:
As of October 2010, the total registered population of the eight SERDC First Nation communities was 12,623. The on-reserve population numbered 8,795 while 4,252 members reside off-reserve.
Language:
Ojibway/Saulteaux is the dominant language used in these communities however Cree is also spoken.
Land Base:
The eight member communities comprise a land base of approximately 15,821.2 hectares. One of the First Nations has outstanding treaty land entitlement: Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. A majority of the eight communities are situated on the east side of Lake Winnipeg within the Precambrian Shield region of Manitoba. The reserve lands are mostly interspersed with rocky outcroppings. SERDC owns the buildings and lands at its branch office, sub-offices, and the 40-acre site of Southeast College in south Winnipeg.
Treaty Affiliation:
The eight Bands of SERDC are signatories to the following treaties:Treaty #1 (1871) Brokenhead Treaty #5 (1875) Berens River, Bloodvein, Hollow Water, Black River, Little Grand Rapids, Pauingassi and Poplar River.
Political Affiliations:
SAFN (Southeast Assembly of First Nations) AMC (Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs) SCO (Southern Chiefs’ Organization) AFN (Assembly of First Nations)
Other:
AMCC (with DOTC - capital corporation) Nor-Win Construction Co. Ltd. (with ILTC winter road construction)MKO - joint economic development process TCIG - with other Manitoba Tribal Councils
Political Arm:
Southeast Assembly of First Nations (SAFN) was established to assist the eight First Nations of SERDC by providing the following services: lobbyists for SERDC leaders (political direction and strategies) lobbyists for SERDC programs and projects (intergovernmental communication, information, understanding and networking for positive results, First Nation Government advisory, provides troubleshooting services for First Nation governance processes and assisting in establishing appropriate program resources and accountability.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
Tribal Council Finance and Administration Advisory Services in the areas of:
- Band Financial Management
- Capital
- Technical Services
- Housing Advisory
- Maintenance
- Social Services Advisory
- Membership
- Economic Development
- Community Planning
Health Services:
- NNADAP
- FASD/PCAP
- Home and Community Care
- Brighter Futures & Building Healthier Communities ( BF/BHC)
- Diabetes (ADI)
- NAYSPS
Economic Development:
- Community Futures
- Southeast Training & Employment (formerly known as Pathways Program)
Student Services:
- Southeast Education Centre (formerly Southeast College) of the total staff, 87% are Aboriginal employees, and 75% of the employees are from the SERDC.
- High School & Post Secondary Services
Southeast Personal Care Home:
SERDC was awarded the contract for the construction of an 80-bed Personal Care Home for Aboriginal residents in the City of Winnipeg.
South Beach Casino:
South Beach Caino & Resort was opened in May of 2005. This Casino is located at the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. Seven First Nations from SERDC are involved in this project.
New Direction for SERDC
Over the last few years, some of our First Nations have taken over program delivery in various areas, e.g. Poplar River First Nation has taken over local control of education and run their own school; Berens River First Nation and Poplar River First Nation have taken over delivery of their own Student Services. Both Berens River and Brokenhead Ojibway Nation now deliver their own Training & Employment Programs. First Nations take over delivery of services when they feel it is beneficial to their communities. In other areas, because of economies of scale, the First Nations believe it is in their best interests to have the Tribal Council deliver the services. Each First Nation will deliver local services at their own pace and in tune with their level of development.
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