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Culture

Two Core Pillars of the Project
Language Revitalization

Overview of Cultural Values

Culture is the heart of who we are. At Swan River First Nation, we honour the teachings passed down from our Elders, the strength of our language, and the sacred relationship we have with the land. Our traditions guide how we live, connect, and grow together as a community.

We are guided by the Seven Sacred Teachings — Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth. These values are not just concepts, but living principles taught through stories, ceremony, and daily life.

Through oral history, our knowledge and identity have been carried across generations. Storytelling continues to play a vital role in preserving our worldview and ensuring the voices of our ancestors remain strong.

Our deep connection to the land is central to our culture. Seasonal activities like hunting, fishing, medicine picking, and traditional crafting bring families together, pass on valuable skills, and root us in our traditional territory.

Swan River First Nation Cultural Retention Project

Swan River First Nation Chief and Council have recognized the importance of practising cultural traditions and the benefits they bring to community wellness. In response to strong community interest, the Cultural Retention Project was launched in 2018 to support traditional learning for all ages.

The program works with both on- and off-reserve schools, supports the Cree Language Program, and uplifts Traditional Knowledge Holders. Activities offered through the project include:

  • Moose hide tanning
  • Making fleshers from moose leg bones
  • Salmon canning
  • Weekly beading/craft nights
  • Weekend hunting camps
  • Land-based learning
  • Medicine picking

Future offerings will include:

  • Drumming and dance practice
  • Language and arts nights
  • Tipi making, birch bark crafts
  • Community sales and fundraising for program sustainability

The annual Culture Camp, held at the Nation’s campground, brings the community together in a celebration of culture, teachings, and unity. The camp supports intergenerational learning and fosters pride in traditional ways of life.