Historical Notes

The Muskrat Dam Lake reserve is within the boundaries of the territory described by the 1929-30 Adhesion to the James Bay Treaty of 1905 - Treaty No. 9. The Muskrat Dam people have historical links to the people of Bearskin Lake, and several families have relocated from Bearskin Lake to Muskrat Dam Lake. Until the reserve was officially created in 1976, Muskrat Dam was a satellite community of the Big Trout Lake Band.

Industries

Trapping, fishing and forestry are principal occupations. Local industries include: freight hauling service serving northern communities, sawmill, coffee shop, arts/crafts shop, service station, general store, and pool hall.

Educational Facilities

Elementary

• Samson Beardy Memorial School, K-8 (First Nation operated)

Secondary

• students board in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay
• WAHSA Distance Education Program (secondary education from Sioux Lookout via Wawatay radio)

Community Services and Facilities

• fire equipment on reserve includes two pumps and 1,220 meters of hose; a trained local person is in charge of this equipment
• one Anglican church
• community hall, skating rink
• health clinic with two Community Health Representatives (satellite station operating out of nursing station in Round Lake)
• access to Sioux Lookout Zone Hospital
• Child and Family Services worker provided through Ticking Child and Family Services in Sioux Lookout
• Northern Air Patrol from Sioux Lookout

Communications

• telephone - Bell Canada (one telephone)
• radio - CFMD community radio, Warranty Network
• newspapers - Wawatay News (one monthly from Sioux Lookout)
• television - TVOntario, Wawatay Network, satellite dish

Utilities

• water - separate systems for school and health clinic
• sewage - septic tank and treatment plant for school only
• other waste - landfill site operated by First Nation
• energy/electricity - Ontario Hydro community generator