Lac Brochet, Manitoba, is a unique and culturally rich community nestled in the boreal forest of northern Canada. Known in Chipewyan as Dahlu T’ua, this Dene Indian reserve is home to the Northlands Denesuline First Nation. Situated on the north shore of Lac Brochet, it is approximately 240 km northwest of the city of Thompson.
The unincorporated community of Lac Brochet (58°37′12″N 101°29′02″W) serves as the administrative centre of the Northlands Denesuline First Nation. Despite its remote location and lack of permanent roads connecting it to other parts of Manitoba, the community remains accessible through the Lac Brochet Airport located nearby. The community is also home to the Petit Casimir Memorial School, providing K-12 education to the local children.
The Lac Brochet community is the heart of the Northlands Denesuline First Nation. As of September 2021, the First Nation had a total membership of 1,153, with 975 members living on-reserve and 173 members living off-reserve. The First Nation is governed by a Chief and six councillors and is affiliated with the Keewatin Tribal Council. The council, with its head office in Thompson, represents eleven First Nations in Northern Manitoba.
According to the 2016 Canadian Census, the majority of Lac Brochet's 530 residents chose Dene as their mother tongue, while 5 chose Cree as their first language. English is also widely spoken within the community. This linguistic diversity adds to the rich cultural tapestry of Lac Brochet, Manitoba, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in indigenous cultures and histories.
