Describe your community's
current economic, social and cultural development challenges and
priorities (include a socio-economic profile of your community).
Keewaytinook Okimakanak
First Nations are members of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN). They
are small, remote, fly-in communities that have struggled for
decades with the practical consequences of institutionalized isolation.
Hospital and high school access require air travel - with the
exception of a 10 week period when 4x4 vehicles can travel along
a winter road. The average population base in each community is
about 400 residents, with a combined population of 2200. Most
homes are within walking distance of local services such as education,
health and administration buildings. Communities share demographic
characteristics. Almost 25 percent of the total population are
younger than age 10. An additional 25 percent are between the
ages of 10 and 19 years of age. Fewer than four percent of the
total population is age 60 or older. Approximately 36 percent
of the adult population is unemployed or is receiving some form
of social assistance. High school completion rates are low, particularly
for those 45 years of age or older. All of the communities are
located in resource rich areas. Forestry and mining activities
are rapidly expanding in to traditional territories and tourism
is a seasonal mainstay for the area.
