The Barren Lands First Nation app is now available

kisipakamâhk (ᑭᓯᐸᑲᒫᕽ) — Barren Lands First Nation, known in Cree as kisipakamâhk (ᑭᓯᐸᑲᒫᕽ), is based at Brochet 197, a reserve of about 4,339 hectares on Reindeer Lake next to the village of Brochet. The area has been part of the overlapping traditional territories of the Dene and Cree peoples since time immemorial. Community members speak Rocky Cree (Neethowiwin) and Dene.

The band joined Treaty 10 at Lac du Brochet in August 1907. Petit Casimir signed as Chief and Jean Baptiste as Headman. Brochet began as a Hudson's Bay Company trading post and Catholic mission called Fort du Brochet, which first appeared on maps in 1883. Part of the Nation later separated to become Northlands First Nation, which moved to Lac Brochet, 70 kilometres north.

Brochet can be reached only by winter road or by air. Commercial fishing and trapping support the local economy, and lodges in the area hire local residents as guides. Community facilities include:

• A community hall
• Brochet School
• A youth centre

The Nation belongs to the Keewatin Tribal Council and is working to protect the surrounding Seal River Watershed from industrial impacts such as mining and dam development. Learn more on the Nation's website.