Ismaila Alfa: 3 things to know about Shoal Lake
When I was asked to go to Shoal Lake 40 First Nation for DNTO, I was immediately excited. I have always wanted to see this mysterious place I have heard so much about but have never seen. It's where Winnipeg's water comes from. More importantly it's a place where people whose ancestors have lived on the land for centuries are landlocked on a man-made island and can't drink the water out of their taps.
All I knew of Shoal Lake was what I had heard and seen in the news. When I first arrived I was taken by the natural beauty of my surroundings. I quickly found the true treasure of Shoal Lake. It's the people. The people of Shoal Lake made me feel like I was a long-lost cousin who had never seen where the family came from. Everyone greeted us with a smile. They were proud to share their piece of Shoal Lake with us.
I learned there are three things you need to know about Shoal Lake 40:
1. When you ride the barge over, don't leave your vehicle on the mainland. While there is a high chance you will be offered a ride if someone sees you walking, the homes and band buildings have long treks between them. Plus, as we found out from locals, the only vehicle that doesn't come over on the barge is the ambulance…which is frustrating for many people, and heartbreaking for some.
2. Be sure to get out to the organized activities like bingo and volleyball or as it's better known to locals, "Hump Day Bump Day." This is where family and friends gather, couples first meet and kids hang out. You don't have to win. You don't even have to play. It's just the spot to be so just be, and enjoy.
3. Ojibwe is the traditional language spoken on this territory and 'Boozhoo' means hello. There is no word for goodbye — only "See you again" or "Giga-waabamin menawaa" which I like because there are so many people I met there that I would love to cross paths with again.
I want to thank the people of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation for inviting us into their homes and community. There is much more to this man-made island than just what's in the news. There are real, resilient people on this beautiful piece of earth. Just imagine how much more amazing it will be when they have year-round access to the mainland and clean water.