Sayisi Dene First Nation Proudly Announces Lodge Acquisition in the Seal River Watershed
When the Sayisi Dene First Nation shared news of this acquisition with Northlands Denesuline, Barren Lands, and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree First Nations, the Chiefs expressed great support and encouragement. The Alliance is proud to publish the Sayisi Dene First Nation’s release on our website.
Tadoule Lake, June 11, 2026 – The Sayisi Dene First Nation is proud to announce the acquisition of the Lodge at Little Duck, a fishing and hunting lodge located near Little Duck and Neganilini Lakes in the Seal River Watershed. For the Sayisi Dene, this moment is about more than acquiring a lodge — it is an opportunity to reconnect with a place of cultural importance and help shape its future in a way that reflects community values, stewardship and long-term opportunity.
The lodge will continue to welcome guests from around the world. The Sayisi Dene First Nation wants to encourage visitors to enjoy the watershed and paddle, hunt, fish and learn about Dene cultural traditions. The Nation is committed to sustaining the quality service and world-class adventures returning guests have come to expect, while also expanding guest experiences and deepening connections to the community.
Situated on lands the Sayisi Dene have stewarded for thousands of years, the lodge stands along a caribou travel route — a place central to the community’s identity, survival and spirituality. The caribou have long sustained the Sayisi Dene way of life, shaping traditions, relationships and culture across generations.
“For our people, this is about much more than acquiring a lodge. It is about returning to a place where our ancestors lived, gathered and belonged, and reconnecting with this land,” said Chief Kelly-Ann Thom-Duck of the Sayisi Dene First Nation. “This moment brings a real sense of hope — hope for healing, for stronger connections between generations, and for a future grounded in who we are and where we come from.”
The announcement about the lodge was shared during a special community gathering on May 2, where charter flights brought Elders from Winnipeg and Churchill — many of whom experienced the trauma of relocation — to witness the moment. Community members filled the hall, many with tears in their eyes, as the news was met with long, heartfelt applause.
For many, the acquisition represents a critical step in healing from the lasting impacts of colonialism and forced displacement, a turning point rooted in reconnection, stewardship and hope. That sense of return was deeply felt at the gathering, especially among Elders who have long carried memories of this place.
“I love it. I was born there and was there from 1944 to 1956. I know the land,” said Jim Clipping, a Sayisi Dene Elder who was relocated as a young man. “It is our land, and it is good to go back. There are graveyards there, so it is good to go back to the people. We lost it, and now it’s coming back to us. The young people need to know the land — where we are from and where their parents lived.”
The lodge lies within the Seal River Watershed, one of the world’s last intact subarctic ecosystems. The Sayisi Dene First Nation is a member of the Seal River Watershed Alliance, which is working toward permanent protection of the region while supporting sustainable economic opportunities such as tourism.
“This is a powerful moment for Sayisi Dene First Nation,” said Stephanie Thorassie, Executive Director of the Seal River Watershed Alliance. “It reflects the strength of community leadership and a connection to this land that has always been here. We are proud to support a future where this place continues to be cared for in a way that honours the community, protects the watershed and creates opportunities for generations to come.”
The Sayisi Dene First Nation's stewardship of the Seal River Watershed has been supported by Nature United, a national conservation organization that has partnered with Indigenous Nations to advance conservation and sustainable land management in Boreal Manitoba for a decade. Nature United's support is directed at advancing long-term conservation outcomes in the Seal River Watershed, including supporting Sayisi Dene First Nation to bring the lodge under Indigenous-led stewardship to be managed consistent with the Nation's broader vision for the territory.
“This milestone shows how nature protection, cultural revitalization and sustainable economic opportunity can be woven together,” said Amanda Karst, Manitoba Program Director at Nature United. “By supporting the Sayisi Dene First Nation's vision for the protection and stewardship of the Seal River Watershed, this work helps create the conditions for strong communities, healthy lands and water, and the lasting protection of one of the world’s most intact ecosystems.”
James Richardson, former controlling shareholder in the Lodge at Little Duck, also expressed his support for the transition: “This is an exciting and positive transition for the lodge and the community. The lodge is committed to the spirit of reconciliation and positive action. I believe the community will take good care of the lodge. My fellow shareholders and I look forward to coming back to the lodge as guests this coming fall.”
The Sayisi Dene First Nation sees the lodge as an important part of its future, reflecting community values, supporting stewardship and strengthening connections between visitors and the land. The community will come together in the months ahead to determine the long-term vision for the site.
In the meantime, all lodge operations will continue as planned, including existing reservations and management, ensuring a seamless transition for guests.
“This feels like a major step forward,” Chief Thom-Duck added. “It creates immense hope in me when I think about the possibilities we have with this place — to bring generations together, promote healing, get back to the land and build something that brings new opportunities that benefit both our community and the region.”
The oldest living Sayisi Dene member and Elder Thomas Duck Sr shared in Dene that he is very happy about this full circle moment. He has always thought about the future of our people, and this announcement gives him hope for good things.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jenn Wesanko
604.347.5988