|
The East Side of Lake WinnipegThe east side of Lake Winnipeg is a unique region of Manitoba that contains vast stands of boreal forests, an abundance of fish and wildlife and a vibrant traditional Aboriginal culture – all of which combine to make the East Side a truly remarkable provincial jewel. The east side is an area approximately 83,000 square kilometers that represents approximately one eighth the size of Manitoba. It is bordered on the west by Lake Winnipeg, which is the sixth largest freshwater body in North America and the last remaining remnants of the 11,000 year old glacial Lake Agassiz. Throughout the region, there are approximately 3,100 lakes and approximately 30 major river systems including the Berens and Poplar Rivers. The Bloodvein River, which also flows through the region, is in fact Manitoba’s oldest member of the Canadian Heritage River System. In addition, the region contains one of the largest stands of intact boreal forests in North America. As a result, the area is also home to a wide array of wildlife. Moose, lynx, and bear, as well as threatened and endangered species such as woodland caribou and bald eagles, all call this area their home. Additionally, today, there are over 30 communities with approximately 36,000 residents that call the region their home. Approximately 96 per cent of those living in the region are First Nation people. Depending on where they live, local residents may speak a number of languages including Cree, Ojibway, Oji-Cree and English. |
|||