The York Factory First Nation app is now available

Kischi Wáskáhikan (ᑭᐢᒋ ᐚᐢᑳᐦᐃᑲᐣ) (Big house, referring to Fort York) — York Factory First Nation, known in Cree as Kischi Wáskáhikan (ᑭᐢᒋ ᐚᐢᑳᐦᐃᑲᐣ), is a Swampy Cree Nation. Its homeland runs along the Hudson Bay coast from Ontario to Churchill, and inland to Shamattawa and Gillam. The main community is York Landing, or Kawéchiwásik (ᑲᐍᒋᐚᓯᐠ), on the south-east shore of Split Lake, about 116 kilometres from Thompson.

On August 10, 1910, at York Factory, Chief Charles Wastasekoot and councillors Robert Beardy and Sandy Beardy agreed to the adhesion to Treaty 5. After the Hudson's Bay post closed in 1957, members were relocated to Split Lake. York Landing received reserve status in 1989.

Cree culture is at the centre of community life. People hunt and trap, hold Cree ceremonies and gatherings, and keep close ties to Hudson Bay and the Hayes River. Members stress respecting Cree values and teachings and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

After eight years of negotiations and a member referendum, the Nation became a limited partner in the Keeyask Generating Station. Council portfolios include:

• Smoke shop
• Arena management
• Daycare and Head Start
• Kischi Wáskáhikan Trust
• VLT Gaming Commission