Hay River Reserve (also known as K'atlodeeche/Katl'odeeche First Nation or Hay River Dene 1) is one of only two Indian reserves in Canada's Northwest Territories. Located in the South Slave Region, it is a Slavey community with a population of 309 (97.1% First Nations) as of the 2006 census. The main languages on the reserve are South Slavey, Chipewyan and English. In 2009 the Government of the Northwest Territories reported that the population was 325 with an average yearly growth rate of 1.6 from 1996.
Although the Dene had been using the area around the mouth of the Hay River for many years as a fishing site it was not settled until the 1890s when Chief Chiatlo led a group to the site. Later both the Anglican, with a mission school, and the Roman Catholic Church along with trading posts and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived. However, the NWT Government says that the first building in the area was the Hudson's Bay Company, followed by the Roman Catholic Mission and then the Anglican Mission.
The original site was located right at the mouth of the river just east of Vale Island at 60°51′32″N 115°43′33″W / 60.85889°N 115.72583°W / 60.85889; -115.72583 However, this site was subject to flooding and it was decided to move to a different area. The current site is located on the south shore of the Hay River, near the mouth of Great Slave Lake In 1974 the then chief, Daniel Sonfrere, negotiated a settlement with the Government of Canada and the first reserve in the NWT was formed.
The reserve covers an area of 134.21 km2 (51.82 sq mi) and claims a band membership of 525 people. and is a member of the Dehcho First Nations. The reserve is governed by a Band Council, consisting of a Chief and four Councilors, which is elected every two years on "Treaty Day". Along with the Fort Providence Dene Band the reserve operates "Evergreen Forestry Management Ltd." The reserve also runs the Ehdah Cho Store, "Tu-Cho Gha Contracting" and the "Nats’jee Keh Treatment Centre".
Primary and secondary education in the community is provided by Chief Sunrise Education Centre.
Famous quotes containing the words hay, river and/or reserve:
“All who think cannot but see there is a sanction like that of religion which binds us in partnership in the serious work of the world.”
—John Milton Hay (1838–1905)
“We approached the Indian Island through the narrow strait called “Cook.” He said, “I ‘xpect we take in some water there, river so high,—never see it so high at this season. Very rough water there, but short; swamp steamboat once. Don’t paddle till I tell you, then you paddle right along.” It was a very short rapid. When we were in the midst of it he shouted “paddle,” and we shot through without taking in a drop.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“I do not know what right I have to so much happiness, but rather hold it in reserve till the time of my desert.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)