We serve eight member communities consisting of Berens River First Nation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Bloodvein River First Nation, Black River First Nation, Hollow Water First Nation, Little Grand Rapids First Nation, Pauingassi First Nation and Poplar River First Nation.
Acting as a representative body for 8 First Nations, the Southeast Resource Development Council (SERDC) focuses on the needs of our member communities. Our aim is to support our people through on and off-reserve programs and services including health clinical services, health programs, housing and advisory services, social supports, and employment and training.
View our tribal council details at First Nation Profiles
Mission
The Mission of the SERDC is to develop, coordinate and deliver programs and services to achieve the goals and aspirations of our communities as mandated by the leadership.
Vision
Working together to enhance the self-sufficiency and wellness of our communities for current and future generations.
Values
SERDC believes in a culture and environment that promotes open and honest communication. It seeks to treat the people and entities (its clientele) with dignity, respect, understanding and fairness. SERDC also strives to be accountable and transparent in fulfilling of duties and responsibilities. Towards that end, we are guided by culture guidance from our Elders.
Population
As of December 2024, the total registered population of the eight SERDC First Nation communities was 17,076. The on-reserve population numbered 9,730 while 7,346 members reside off-reserve. (Source: Population Registered under the Indian Act by Gender and Residence, Government of Canada, 2024).
Language
Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway/Saulteaux) is the dominant language used in these communities however Cree is also spoken.
Land Base
The eight member communities comprise a land base of approximately 15,821.2 hectares. Brokenhead Ojibway Nation has outstanding treaty land entitlement. The majority of the communities are situated on the east side of Lake Winnipeg within the Precambrian Shield region of Manitoba. The reserve lands are mostly interspersed with rocky outcroppings.
Current Board of Directors
(Co-chair) Chief Gordon Bluesky, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
(Co-chair) Chief Roddy Owens, Pauingassi First Nation
Chief Hartley Everett, Berens River First Nation
Chief Lisa Young, Bloodvein River First Nation
Chief Larry Barker, Hollow Water First Nation
Chief Sheldon Kent, Black River First Nation
Chief Clinton Keeper, Little Grand Rapids First Nation
Chief Darcy Bruce, Poplar River First Nation
Founding Members
- Chief Harry Cook, Bloodvein First Nation
- Chief Jim Bear, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
- Chief James Swain, Berens River First Nation
- Chief Jim Thunder, Buffalo Point First Nation
- Chief Lawrence Morrisseau, Fort Alexander First Nation
- Chief Arnold Williams, Hollow Water First Nation
- Chief Henry Bird, Black River First Nation
- Chief John J. Leveque, Little Grand Rapids First Nation
- Chief Albert Bittern, Poplar River First Nation
- Chief Eugene Courchene, VP, Southeast Region, MIB
Treaty Affiliation:
The eight Bands of SERDC are signatories to the following treaties:
- Treaty #1 (1871) Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
- Treaty #5 (1875) Berens River First Nation, Little Grand Rapids First Nation, Pauingassi First Nation and Poplar River First Nation
- Adhesion to Treaty #5 (1876) Bloodvein River First Nation and Hollow Water First Nation
- Adhesion to Treaty #5 in Winnipeg (1876) Black River First Nation
Political Affiliations:
AMC (Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs); SCO (Southern Chiefs’ Organization); AFN (Assembly of First Nations)
Other:
Nor-Win Construction Co. Ltd. (with ILTC winter road construction); TCIG - shareholder
