St. Theresa Point First Nation

2007

The History of ST. Theresa Point F.N.

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St.Theresa Point First Nation used to belong to the Island Lake Band, which consisted of four communities: Garden Hill, Wasagamack, St. Theresa Point and Red Sucker Lake. St. Theresa Point is a signatory to the 1909 adhesion Treaty No. 5. The main dialect is Oji-Cree, however English has also become part of the everyday language.

St. Theresa Point is located 610 kilometers Northeast of Winnipeg. The community is accessible by plane and boat in the summer and by winter road in the winter.

Government:

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The St.Theresa Point First Nation office is located in the center of the community. Council consists of one Chief and four Councillors, elected according to band custom. Political affiliations are with the Island Lake Tribal Council (ILTC), Manitoba Keewatinohk Okimahkanak (MKO), Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC).The St.Theresa Point First Nation administers the following programs: social assistance, housing, capital projects, operations andmaintenance, water and sewage services, sanitation services, television and radio broadcasting, the community outreach program, justice, policing, recreation, airport project, aboriginal healing foundation, economic development and youth services.

St. Theresa Point First Nation Office

Religion:

Both traditional religious practices and Christianity are observed in the community. There is one church in the community, the Roman Catholic Church.

Health Services:

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Health Services are administered by the St.Theresa Point Health Authority and funded by Health Canada. The Health Authority provides the following services: a fully staffed nursing station, a native alcohol and drug abuse program, mental health services, training counselors, family intervention, community liaison person and teen pregnancy counseling.
The nursing station has eight nurses on staff, four community health representatives, two medical drivers, a maintenance worker, and clerical staff. Other professionals, such as doctors, dentists, and pediatricians, visit according to a schedule. The following is a breakdown of that schedule.

St. Theresa Point Nursing Station

Health Professionals

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Availability

Doctor

Once a week (3days)

Dentist

Once a week (3days)

Optometrist

Once a year

Pediatrician

Quarterly

Psychologist

Every 2 weeks

Island Lake Family Services:

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The Island Lake First Nation Child and Family Services was mandated in April of 1997 and serves the four first nations. The agency falls under the Child and Family Services Act and it provides child protection services, resources for family conciliation, and child development initiatives.

Island Lake Family Services

Education:

The St. Theresa Point Education Authority administers educational services. The education authority oversees the everyday operation of the local schools and manages other programs such as the BUNTEP (Brandon University Native Teacher Education Program) program, adult education program and other post-secondary funding services.

St. Theresa Point High School offers grade eight to grade twelve. Two other schools are located within the community for the middle years and elementary. There are over 500 students within the 3 schools. Teachers at St. Theresa Point schools can rent fully furnished suites and homes, complete with plumbing, electricity and heat.

St. Theresa Point High School

St. Theresa Point High School

Daycare Center:

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A daycare center, administered by the Island Lake Tribal Council, is available to community members. The daycare provides care for infant and pre-school children.

Daycare Center

Infrastructure

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Water:

The community obtains water directly from Island Lake, which is treated in the local water plant. A few water pumps are available in the community. Water delivery services are provided to the few houses equipped with indoor plumbing. The school has its own treatment plant that provides water to the school building and teacherages.

Water Treatment Plant

Sewage Treatment Plant

Electricity

As part of the North Central Project, St.Theresa Point is linked to the provincial power system. The system was hooked up in July 1999 and replaces the 15-amp service previously supplied by diesel generator.

Policing

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The First Nation employs six special constables to police the community and has 8 individuals training to be special constables. It also has a community patrol initiative program consisting of 6-10 individuals. As well, the community utilizes the RCMP detachment in Island Lake. (Stevenson Island)

Transportation

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The Band owns and operates a van that transports people to and from the nursing station on a 24-hours basis, if needed. Various people provide taxi services in the community. There is a ferry that services the community by taking vehicles across the river. Semi-trucks from Winnipeg, and Thompson drive in on the winter road to bring in freight and fuel. The winter road season opens from February until March. Air transportation is available at the local airstrip that is maintained by Highways and Transportation. Several airlines fly in from Winnipeg, and Thompson daily and each of the companies provide at least one flight a day. Chartering flights is also an option for the people. Also, these companies provide emergency medi-vac services when needed. Docking facilities are available for floatplanes throughout the community's shoreline.

Communications

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Air transportation is available at the local airport. Highways and Transportation maintain the Airport. Airline companies from Winnipeg and Thompson fly in daily. Chartering services is an option that is available to the community. Docking facilities are available at various locations throughout the community’s lake. There are a few airlines that provide emergency medi-vac and Air Life Flight available from Winnipeg when needed. There is helicopter service available.

St. Theresa Point Radio Station

St. Theresa Point Radio Station

Businesses

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There are a number of businesses in the community: Klassy Laundromat, Anwaysin Motel, S&V Gas Station, STP Restaurant, Monias Store, Snack Shack, Mason’s Novelty Store, Wood’s Video Store, and Mason’s Video. There is a Northern Store located in the community that is owned by the North West Company.

Northern Store

Anwaysin Motel

Klassy Laudromat