Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan, is a northern village nestled in the boreal forest of central Canada. Known in Woods Cree as ᐅᐹᐏᑯᐢᒋᑲᓂᕽ (opâwikoscikanihk), which translates to 'The Narrows of Fear', this community is located on Pelican Lake, approximately 120 kilometres northwest of Creighton. Accessible via the Hanson Lake Road and Highway 135, Pelican Narrows is a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The Cree settlement of Pelican Narrows dates back to at least 1730, making it a significant historical site. It served as a trading area for the Hudson's Bay and North West companies. In 1874, the Hudson's Bay Company established a permanent post at Pelican Narrows, which transitioned into a Northern Store in 1987 and remains operational today.
Roman Catholic missionaries began traversing the area from the mid-19th century, establishing a permanent mission in 1878. Anglican missionaries arrived later, in the late 1890s, and built a church in 1911. The community saw significant development in 1967 when an all-weather road was built, leading to the introduction of other services.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Pelican Narrows had a population of 123 living in 30 of its 34 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -30.9% from its 2016 population of 178. With a land area of 2.4 km2, it had a population density of 51.3/km2 in 2021. The larger population centre of Pelican Narrows, with a population of 2,703, consists of the Northern Village of Pelican Narrows and Pelican Narrows 184B Indian Reserve of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. In 2011, 2,460 people identified Cree as their mother tongue.
Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan, is home to several key infrastructures. The Pelican Narrows Airport is located 10 nautical miles north-northeast of the community. The Napoleon Merasty Memorial Arena, featuring an ice rink and a fitness centre, is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The community also houses the Angelique Canada Health Center, providing essential health services.
Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan, hosts several annual events that draw visitors from near and far. The annual walleye fishing derby, held every July, is a highlight for fishing enthusiasts. The "Annual Pelican Narrows Winter Festival" is another major event, which as of 2023, takes place from February 27th to March 12th.
"Bitter Embrace: White Society’s Assault on the Woodland Cree" is a notable historical account of the Pelican Narrows region. The book includes interviews with local residents, providing a unique perspective on the area's history and culture.
