In Hope to Return

I want to tell you about a place where my family hopes to return. Long ago, there was a place called the Paul Cree Band reserve, where my husband Robert, his family and their forefathers originally came from. It's a beautiful place in the summer. It has scenery that you can dream about, and wake up smiling. There are hills that look over the Christina River and the Clearwater River that blend together so peacefully, the quietness and stillness astounds you. The breeze of freshness clears your mind. The smell of flowers flows through the air. It's like the garden of Eden in the summer time.

In the autumn you can see the small wildlife prepare for the winter. They store their berries and collect straw to make their home warm.

When winter arrives it's hard and cold. You can stand and listen to hear the trees crackle and the animals whisper. The blankets of snow are pure and untouched. The rivers are frozen, but safe to cross.

This reserve is approximately 12 miles from Fort McMurray. The only way to the reserve in the summer is to go by boat up the Clear water River. If you go by land you must use a recreational vehicle. Keyano College Training Students have been constructing a road to the reserve, that they have partially completed. During the winter months, there is a road that can be ploughed up to the reserve.

Band members used to live there, but because there is no permanent road they have moved. The only way in and out, at that time, was by boat. Most of the members came into the city of Fort McMurray and squatted in Waterways, where they stayed for quite a few years, until the city evicted them from this place. At this time the Department of Indian Affairs got involved. They made arrangements for these people to temporarily reside on the Gregoire Lake Reserve. Original members of the Paul Cree Band look forward to the day when they can go home.

- Tina C.