Norway House Cree Nation
One of the Largest Indigenous Communities in Manitoba
Norway House Cree Nation (Kinosao Sipi) (NHCN) is one of the largest Indigenous communities in Manitoba with a growing population of 7,500 community members and an additional 500 community council members.
Norway House Cree Nation is recognized as a progressive community and boasts a large number of amenities, including a new $150 million hospital that opened in 2024, a personal care home, educational facilities, postsecondary facility, public work facilities and many business establishments.
Chief and Council Supports Development
The leadership believes in self-reliance and sustainability through economic development. Various economic ventures have been undertaken such as the Pharmacy, bus transportation, Cellular & Communications System, York Boat Inn, Diner, Shopping Mall, Multiplex Recreation Center, Entertainment Center, Broadband, and Radio & local Broadcasting.
Picture (left to right): Councillor Orville Apetagon, Deputy Chief Edward Albert, Councillor David Swanson, Chief Larson Anderson, Councillors Anthony Apetagon, Deon Clarke and John Henry Jr.
A Rich History
In 1816, Norwegian labourers were dispatched to construct a road connecting York Factory and Lake Winnipeg. Norway House, situated at Mossy Point, Manitoba, was completed in 1817 and subsequently became the Hudson’s Bay Company’s primary inland fur trading depot in 1821. It also served as a convenient gathering place for the Northern Department of the Rupert’s Land Council. Notably, Treaty 5 was signed at Norway House in 1875, establishing a treaty between the Cree people of Norway House and the Canadian government.
History is resurrected annually during the World-class York Boat Races on Little Play Green Lake, with fabulous community festivals, beautiful scenic views and visitors and competitors from across the province.