PBCN Health's Profile

The PBCN Treaty territory covers a vast area 454 kms north of Prince Albert and 508 kms east to the Manitoba border. As of October 25th, 2002, the band population was at 7,318 with the majority living in seven northern communities, namely Pelican Narrows, Deschambault Lake, Southend, Kinoosao, Sandy Bay, Denare Beach and Sturgeon Landing.

The Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation signed an adhesion to Treaty #6 on September 3, 1878. This is the only numbered treaty which has a "medicine chest" clause and it was given in response to requests made by the people for medical care. This Treaty relationship between the Crown and the First Nations of Canada remains as the foundation upon which the PBCN Health Transfer Agreement was first signed in April, 1995.

The Woodland Cree culture of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation was historically based on the subsistence bush economy of hunting, fishing and gathering. The cultural values of respect, sharing and spirituality developed as a way of life with families working together on the land as means of survival in a harsh environment. While some people still tend their trap lines and practice commercial fishing in a few communities, most income is derived from band-related employment and federal transfer payments.