Our Story

The Aseniwuche Winewak
Nation: The People lived a
traditional, self-reliant lifestyle
until the 1960's

Our Story: Archaeological evidence of Aboriginal people in this region dates back thousands of years. In 1907, Aboriginals in the Jasper area were evicted to create the National Park. Many moved to the area near present day Grande Cache, joining family already there. The People lived a traditional, self-reliant lifestyle until the 1960’s. In 1969 the town of Grande Cache was built to facilitate the development of a coal mine. Aboriginal residents were unable to participate in development decisions, as they had no legally recognized title to the land or minerals. Many traditional sites, homes and gravesites were destroyed, and a legacy of loss began.

The community problems arose from a lack of education, training and economic opportunity. In an effort to overcome these barriers, the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation was formalized in September 1994. The six aboriginal settlements that surrounded the town of Grande Cache joined together to have a collective presence. In 2001, the Nation became the representative body of more than four hundred individual members, and the corporate members of Cooperatives and Enterprises.

Today, Aseniwuche Winewak Nation has a provincial reputation for leadership, professionalism and achieving results.

Our History | Our Ancestral History | Recent History

PRESENTATION: AWN - "WHO WE ARE"