Our Story > Our History

The Aseniwuche Winewak
Nation: Our people have a rich heritage
and history: bloodlines descend from
Cree, Iroquois, Beaver, Sekani,
Assiniboine, Ojibwa and Shuswap.

Since ancient times, different groups of Aboriginal people have traveled and lived in the rich, fertile slopes of the Rocky Mountains. There is archeological evidence of human civilization near modern-day Grande Cache from 14,000 years ago. At some time, the Aboriginal people in this area became known as Aseniwuche Winewak, Cree for “Rocky Mountain People”. Our people have a rich heritage and history: modern bloodlines descend from Cree, Iroquois, Beaver, Sekani, Assiniboine, Ojibwa and Shuswap. The Beaver, Sekani and Shuswap were the first inhabitants of our traditional area.

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. In 1969 the town of Grande Cache was built to facilitate the development of a coal mine. Many traditional sites, homes and grave sites were destroyed, and a legacy of loss began. Most of our People did not adjust well to the different lifestyles and value system. Issues such as unemployment, widespread social discord, poverty and alcoholism grew. The community problems arose from lack of education, training and economic opportunity. We were separated by cultural understanding and geography (designated land areas are isolated). The Aseniwuche Winewak Nation was formed in part to overcome these barriers.

Our Ancestral History | Recent History

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