LAC SEUL FIRST NATION – Lac Seul First Nation is looking to the future, and finding ways to engage young people in the community. Chief Clifford Bull and the Council of the Lac Seul First Nation have announced the commencement of construction for a new community arena, to be located in the Lac Seul reserve community of Frenchman’s Head.
The new arena will boast a full-size CHL ice surface and ice plant, and incorporate additional sports training facilities to boost the health and wellness opportunities for the community’s youth. “Lac Seul has a fine tradition of hockey and broomball, including many championship teams at annual native tournaments in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay, ranging from our Novice kids through Midget and Junior and on to the adult divisions,” said Chief Bull.
“Now we can reinforce those traditions on our home ice, and the benefits to the future generations of youth at Lac Seul will be immeasurable.” LSFN will finance this construction project 100% through utilizing a portion of proceeds from LSFN’s recent timber trespass settlement with the Government of Canada.
Along with the Sports complex, LSFN will be constructing conference facilities that will accommodate up to 60 delegates including four (4) break-out rooms and state-of-the-art technology capabilities. A restaurant and retail space will also be accommodated in the construction of the new facility. This project is expected to create eight (8) construction jobs, and four (4) full-time positions once completed.
Lac Seul is located approximately 38 km northwest of Sioux Lookout. Lac Seul First Nation has a large base, which is bounded to the north and east by the Lac Seul reservoir, and is comprised of four on-reserve communities: Kejick Bay, Canoe River, Whitefish Bay, and Frenchman’s Head. Lac Seul First Nation is the oldest First Nation in the Sioux Lookout District of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (formerly Indian and Northern Affairs Canada). The reserve was established pursuant to Treaty 3, through adhesion in 1874.