Project Info
In November 2008, a group of LSFN members got together to form a ‘ working group’ whose responsibility was to look into the feasibility of a Cultural Center on the Lac Seul First Nation.
The ‘working group’ is currently being incorporated as a not for profit corporation under the name “Obishikokang Cultural Center” which will have a charitable status. The objects for the corporation are:
The establishment and operation of a cultural center and society for the purpose of:
- Promoting the best interests of the Band membership generally;
- Promoting cultural identity as Anishinabe people;
- Preserving traditional knowledge and oral history of elders;
- Gathering and storage of artifacts within the cultural center;
- Sharing holistic healing practices of Lac Seul spiritual teachers;
- Sponsoring ceremonial activities such as pow wows;
- Using traditional knowledge and history for teaching in community schools;
- Providing a training center for youth to become future leaders;
- Writing and publishing local and family histories;
- Creating and developing partnerships with local key stakeholders.
The ‘working group’ has partnered with the Independent First Nation Alliance Engineers ( which the LSFN is a member of) to develop a strategy to look into the feasibility and the construction of a Cultural Center on the First Nation.
Other work in progress:
- A book on the History of the Obishikokang People
- Purpose and some designs of the cultural center
- Genealogy of the Obishikokang People
- Collection of artifacts, documents, photos*
*If you would like to share your photos and/or stories, please send them to the Project Coordinator.
Funding Proposal
There have been three funding proposals submitted to date:
1. Cultural Spaces Canada-For the feasibility study of a cultural center on the Lac Seul First Nation. Culture Centre/ Museum - The Cultural Centre will be the focal point of all tourist/ visitor activity. The main purpose of the centre will be to house the Lac Seul Fist Nations' artifacts and other historical documents and information. It will also showcase the rich aboriginal heritage of the Obishikiokaang people. This will also be a learning/ interpretive centre- a place to hold workshops, classes to visitors, tourists and youth.
The building itself will be a two story structure with basement and will house:
(a) Lobby, entrance- this will be the main entrance to the building and will have a reception area with seating.
(b) Museum- the museum will be the main focus of the entire building. It will be located in the "heart" of the building and will have displays featuring the many historical artifacts and documents of the Obishikokaang people. Mnay of the artifacts displayed will be items from the ottawa museam(This room will be climate-controled). An area will be set aside for the display of LSFN arts and crafts.
(c) Workshop rooms- there will be two(2) rooms adjacent to the museum fo visitors to meet and get instruction- and will alo be used for teaching classes.
(d) Library- the library will hold the many documents, studies, books and archeological information. Room will be provided for a study area.
(e) Storage room- the storage room will be located in the basement.
(f) Gift shop- the gift shop will be located close to the lobbyare for visitors to purchase gifts and souvenirs.
(g) Restaurant- there will be a 40 seat restaurant, complete with kitchen facilities, loacted on one side of the building. It will offer a fast food menu as well as fine aboriginal dining for all visitors and locals.
(h) There will be 4 offices available for rent to LSFN cultural programs, i.e. Youth, Elders, Spiritual Healing Program, Historical Society.
Other
(a) There will be a 30 car paved, parking area in the front of the building.
(b) The cultural centre sign will be located in front of the building complete with landscaping, seatign, and walk areas. There will also be road (directional) signs posted on major highways leading to the reserve.
2. Museum Technology- The purpose of this proposal was to hire a band member to start collecting information i.e. photographs, documents, records, etc. and storing in one location (library). This information was to be digitalized so that it was accessible to all. Unfortunately, this proposal was turned down because requirements say that the community has to have a cultural centre already in place. We will resubmit when the cultural centre is built.
3. Community Prosperity Fund- The purpose of this proposal was to identify the possible site locations of the cultural centre and how it fits into the overall socio-economic development of the Lac Seul First Nation. Waiting for response.
