Lake and shoreline in Kiciwapa territory
Kiciwapa · Far Bay · Treaty 6

Kiciwapa Cree Nation

Empowering Our People. Shaping Our Future.

Who we are

Rooted in Kiciwapa. Building for future generations.

Kiciwapa Cree Nation is a self-determining Cree Nation rooted in Kiciwapa (Far Bay), the lakes, rivers and forests around Sherridon in northern Manitoba.

As a Treaty 6 Nation whose ancestors adhered to the treaty in 1898, we agreed to share this land, never to give it up. Today we are rebuilding our Nation on the strength of our history and values, caring for the land and water that have always sustained us, and welcoming partners who share our commitment to responsible development.

Read our story →
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Our Nation

Our history, traditional territory, values and how we govern through our Headman system.

Learn about KCN →

Working With KCN

For companies and investors: how to engage us through our Consultation & Accommodation Protocol.

Start a conversation →

Community Notices

For members: meetings, jobs, training and updates on what is happening on our land.

See notices →
Our Land, Our Future · Episode 1
KCN documentary series

Our Land, Our Future

A documentary web series created with Mamawewin Productions, sharing the truth of our history, our connection to the land, and the strength of our people as we move forward as a Nation.

What we do

Our work on the land and in our Nation

Explore our projects

Exploration Partnerships

Working with industry in a way that honours our land, our ancestors and our Consultation & Accommodation Protocol.

Forestry & Natural Resources

Sustainable forestry and natural resource planning, including our review of the FML 2 forest management plan.

Environmental Monitoring

Nation-led environmental and cultural monitoring across KCN territory, guided by our Environmental Elders Committee.

Economic Development

Expanding opportunities that support local jobs, skill development and long-term community strength.

Cultural Revitalization

Uplifting stories, language and land-based teachings across generations.

Nation Governance

Strengthening our governance, policies and capacity as a self-determining Nation.

Latest

News & updates

All news →
Kiciwapa Cree Nation and EarthEx Geophysical Solutions sign an Indigenous Participation Management Plan
Partnerships

New participation and training agreement

KCN signed an Indigenous Participation Management Plan with EarthEx Geophysical Solutions, opening geophysics training and field opportunities for our members.

Land & Water

Monitoring on the land

KCN cultural and environmental monitors observe and document activity on our territory before, during and after work takes place.

Drum and regalia at a community gathering
Community Notice

Community meetings

Members are invited to take part in community meetings. Dates, locations and online options are posted in Community Notices.

Working together

Partners who work with us through our protocol

Partners are named only with their approval.

Foremost Clean Energy
Boreal Gold Inc.
KCN members on the land
Our Nation

Our Nation

Who we are

A self-determining Cree Nation

We are governed through our traditional Headman system and speak with our own voice. We uphold our inherent and Treaty rights, affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and by UNDRIP.

For many years KCN was grouped administratively under Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Our connections as neighbours and relatives remain strong, and KCN is engaged directly and independently on all matters concerning our traditional territory.

We are in a period of reconnection, healing and reclamation: bringing displaced members home, renewing our culture and strengthening our Nationhood.

History & territory

Our connection to Kiciwapa runs deep

These lands have sustained our people for generations. The lakes, rivers, forests and animals carry our stories, our culture and our responsibilities. Many members still live on the land, and others return home as often as they can.

Our ancestors adhered to Treaty 6 in 1898. Our understanding of the treaty is grounded in mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Map of Kiciwapa Cree Nation ancestral territory around Sherridon, Manitoba

Timeline

  1. Time immemorial

    Our people live on, travel and care for the lands and waters of Kiciwapa.

  2. 1898

    Our ancestors adhere to Treaty 6, agreeing to share the land.

  3. 1922

    Cree prospector Philip Sherlett finds the deposit that becomes the Sherritt-Gordon mine, but is excluded from its wealth.

  4. 2025

    KCN adopts its Consultation & Accommodation Protocol.

Our values

The principles that guide our decisions and relationships

Drawn from the Guiding Principles of our Consultation & Accommodation Protocol.

Protecting land, water and future generations

Our sacred duty. We consider effects at least seven generations ahead.

Respect and good faith

Honest, open relationships with partners, governments and one another.

Community-driven and culturally grounded

Our members, Elders and culture shape our decisions.

Shared benefits

Development should build lasting prosperity through training, employment, housing and economic development.

Transparency and accountability

We keep our members informed and our decisions open.

Reconnection, healing and reclamation

We are bringing our people home and renewing our culture and Nationhood.

Leadership & governance

How we govern

KCN governs through its traditional Headman system, in which authority comes from family-based leadership and final decisions rest with the heads of each family. This system predates colonial structures and remains the legitimate governance of our Nation.

Leadership & Governance

Floyd North, Headman – Project Director

Floyd North

Headman · Project Director

Oversees consultation, partnerships, cultural governance, and land-based operations.

Floyd brings decades of experience in the Natural Resources, Exploration, Mining, and Forestry sectors. As both Project Director and Headman of Kiciwapa Cree Nation, he provides strategic leadership grounded in advocacy, collaboration, and respect for Indigenous rights. Floyd’s strong relationships with government, industry, and First Nations across Manitoba continue to advance KCN’s vision for responsible development and self-determination

Donnell Nice, Headman – Exploration Manager

Donnell Nice

Headman · Exploration Manager

Supports site monitoring, cultural safety, community representation, and exploration coordination.

Donnell serves as Headman and Exploration Manager for Kiciwapa Cree Nation. He oversees exploration activities across KCN’s territory, ensuring community participation and workforce development remain central to every project. With extensive experience in fieldwork and logistics, Donnell leads by example — strengthening partnerships between industry and Indigenous communities through hands-on collaboration and respect.

Joe Cook, Headman – Natural Resources Manager

Joe Cook

Headman · Natural Resources Manager

Supports land stewardship and community responsibilities through environmental protection rooted in Cree values.

Joe is both Headman and Natural Resources Manager for Kiciwapa Cree Nation. He combines traditional knowledge with modern environmental practices to guide KCN’s stewardship of land, water, and wildlife. Joe’s leadership ensures that sustainability, cultural values, and respect for the land remain at the heart of every initiative, connecting the Nation’s past and future through land-based stewardship.

Janessa Kosar North, Chief Executive Officer

Janessa Kosar North

Chief Executive Officer

Leads Nation governance, strategic partnerships, organizational development, and Nation-building initiatives.

Janessa leads Kiciwapa Cree Nation’s strategic direction and partnerships with an entrepreneurial, solutions-oriented approach. With experience in business and partnership development, she excels at turning ideas into action and building strong, lasting relationships. Her growing focus on Indigenous law and governance ensures that KCN’s progress is guided by innovation, accountability, and self-determination.

Lacee Buechler, Chief Operating Officer

Lacee Buechler

Chief Operating Officer

Leads Nation operations, organizational systems, team alignment, and execution of strategic priorities.

Lacee leads KCN’s internal operations with precision and professionalism, overseeing systems, team coordination, and organizational execution across departments. With experience in First Nations governance and training in financial processes, she ensures operations run smoothly, transparently, and with strong accountability.

Travis Buechler, Economic Development Manager

Travis Buechler

Economic Development Manager

Advances Nation-led business development, joint ventures, revenue opportunities, and long-term economic growth.

Travis leads KCN’s economic development initiatives, connecting Nation-owned ventures with local training, employment, and partnership opportunities. His background in industry operations provides practical insight into how community and corporate interests can align for mutual success. Travis works to ensure that every project contributes to long-term capacity-building, infrastructure growth, and sustainable prosperity.

Colin Robinson, Director of Research, Policy & Development

Colin Robinson

Director of Research, Policy & Development

Supports governance, policy development, intergovernmental coordination, long-term planning, and nation-led research.

Colin serves as the Director of Research, Policy & Development for Kiciwapa Cree Nation. He leads strategic research, policy frameworks, and development planning that strengthen KCN’s governance, economic growth, and long-term vision. Colin works closely with leadership, departments, and community members to ensure decisions, partnerships, and nation-building initiatives are guided by strong research, cultural alignment, and forward-looking strategies.

Our Team

Stephen Huyghebaert, Operations Coordinator

Stephen Huyghebaert

Operations Coordinator

Supports KCN’s operations through systems improvement, workflow coordination, and strengthening overall organizational efficiency.

Stephen supports KCN’s operations through systems improvement, workflow coordination, and cross-department alignment. He helps strengthen organizational efficiency by improving how information is structured, shared, and used across the Nation.

Mysti Kosar

Financial Operations Coordinator

Oversees Nation financial tracking, project reporting, payment processing, and funding compliance across all programs.

Mysti leads Kiciwapa Cree Nation’s financial management and reporting, ensuring clarity and consistency across departments. She brings a strong background in accounting and financial operations with major organizations, contributing valuable expertise in reconciliation, budgeting, and process improvement. Her organized approach strengthens transparency, accountability, and efficiency within KCN’s operations.

Britney Matheson, Environmental Manager

Britney Matheson

Environmental Manager

Leads KCN’s environmental management through field coordination, monitoring, and sustainable land practices.

Britney Matheson leads KCN’s environmental management through oversight, field coordination, and sustainable practices. She strengthens how environmental information is collected and applied to support responsible land use.

She brings experience as a Fire Ranger with the Manitoba Government, with strengths in leadership, communication, and field operations. Britney has a background in Natural Resources Management and holds CIFFC certifications, including ICS 100–200 and Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation.

Environmental Elders Committee

Our Elders provide cultural and land-based guidance so that decisions about the land and water are grounded in Cree knowledge.

KCN members on the water
Our People

Our People

The strength of our Nation is our people, on the land and wherever they live.

Coming home

Reconnection and healing

Many of our members were displaced from their homelands. We are helping bring our people home and reconnecting families with the land, language and teachings of Kiciwapa.

Culture & opportunity

Growing together

Cultural revitalization

Language, teachings, gatherings and land-based learning across generations.

Training & employment

Pathways into monitoring, exploration, geophysics and other careers through our partnerships.

Opportunities for members

Current jobs and training are posted in Community Notices.

See notices →
Lake and shoreline in Kiciwapa territory
Our Land & Water

Our Land & Water

The land and water are part of who we are.

Our responsibility

We take only what we need

The lakes, rivers, forests and animals carry our stories, our culture and our responsibilities.

As caretakers, we protect these gifts so that future generations, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, will always have clean water to drink, fresh air to breathe, natural lands with medicines and trees, and safe food, including wild game, fish and plants.

Stewardship in action

How we care for the territory

Monitoring

Nation-led monitoring

KCN cultural and environmental monitors observe and document activity on our territory before, during and after work takes place.

Guidance

Environmental Elders Committee

Elders guide what respect for the land means in practice and what is culturally sensitive.

Boreal forest
Forestry

Forest management

We are reviewing the 2027–2046 forest management plan for FML 2 to protect our rights, lands and waters.

Documentary series

Our Land, Our Future

Created with Mamawewin Productions, sharing the truth of our history, our connection to the land and the strength of our people.

Episode 1

Our history and a new chapter

Our history, our homecoming and a new chapter for our Nation. Watch →

Episode 2

On Our Land, On Our Terms

How partnership is built through process, oversight and Nation leadership.

Episode 3

Community voices

Coming soon.

Gallery

Places of Kiciwapa

KCN members and partners reviewing a territory map
Projects & partnerships

Responsible Development

We are a proactive partner for development done the right way.

Our approach

Partnership built on process, not symbolism

KCN supports responsible development that provides sustainable social and economic benefits to our people and respects our rights and values.

Our history is why we insist on being at the table. In 1922, Philip Sherlett found the deposit that became the Sherritt-Gordon mine and was left out of its wealth. Today, development on our territory happens with our free, prior and informed consent and through our Consultation & Accommodation Protocol.

What good partnership looks like

From agreement to the land

Agreements

Clear agreements that set out how we work together and what each party commits to.

Oversight

KCN monitors on site, with regular reporting and follow-up.

Elders’ guidance

Cultural and land-based knowledge informs decisions.

Lasting benefits

Jobs, training, contracts and capacity for our members.

Current partnerships

Our track record

Partners are named only with approval.

PartnerAgreementSigned
T2 Metals Corp.Exploration agreementMay 2023
Kinross (KG Exploration)Exploration agreementJune 2025
EarthEx GeophysicalParticipation & training (IPMP)2025
Foremost Clean EnergyExploration agreementFebruary 2026
Boreal Gold Inc.Exploration agreementMarch 2026
McEwen MiningRelationship agreement, Tartan Mine projectMay 2026
Forestry

FML 2 forest management plan review

KCN is reviewing the 2027–2046 forest management plan for Forest Management Licence 2 to make sure our rights, lands and waters are protected.

Benefits for members

What partnership delivers

Monitoring jobs, geophysics training with EarthEx, contracts and community investment for our members.

For industry & investors

Working With KCN

We welcome partners who share our values. The sooner we connect, the better the project.

KCN members and partners with the KCN flag
Why partner with KCN

A clear, fair path to a good partnership

Clear process

Our protocol sets out how we work together, so you know what to expect and projects start on solid ground.

Proven partner

Exploration and relationship agreements with industry since 2023.

Certainty on the ground

Nation-led monitoring and Elders’ guidance help projects move forward responsibly.

Our Consultation & Accommodation Protocol

How it works, in six steps

Adopted by KCN Leadership on June 24, 2025. We welcome development that has our free, prior and informed consent, and our protocol shows how to earn it.

Download protocol (PDF)
  1. 1

    Reach out early

    Send a written Notice of Request to Consult to KCN’s CEO as early as possible in planning.

  2. 2

    We confirm receipt

    KCN confirms within five business days and names your contact.

  3. 3

    We assess

    KCN reviews your proposal with members and Leadership and assigns Level 1 (little to no impact) or Level 2 (significant impact).

  4. 4

    We agree on a process

    Level 1 may involve meetings, updates or an MOU. Level 2 involves a Consultation Agreement.

  5. 5

    Capacity is funded

    Proponents fund KCN’s participation, including technical and legal advice.

  6. 6

    We build the agreement and stay involved

    Agreements confirm KCN’s consent. KCN monitors and follows up through to completion.

Level 2: significant impact

Exploration, mining, forest management plans, hydroelectric proposals, land use planning, and anything affecting the environment, natural resources or watersheds.

Already have an agreement with us?

Your existing agreement continues to guide how we work together.

Our territory

Where the protocol applies

The protocol applies to any activity that may affect KCN’s rights and interests within or next to our traditional territory around Sherridon and the surrounding region in northern Manitoba.

Your notice should include a map of the area of interest and proposed activities.

Map of Kiciwapa Cree Nation ancestral territory around Sherridon, Manitoba
Start here

Send a Notice of Request to Consult

Include the nature, scope, timing and location of the activity, how it may affect KCN, a company profile, your proposed consultation process, key documents and deadlines, and contacts.

Capacity funding and fees are set out in Appendix 3 of the protocol.

Questions first? Contact us.

News & updates

What’s happening at KCN

Kiciwapa Cree Nation and Kinross Gold sign an exploration agreement
Partnerships · June 2025

KCN signs exploration agreement with Kinross

KCN and KG Exploration (Kinross) signed an exploration agreement under our Consultation & Accommodation Protocol, building a partnership grounded in process and Nation leadership.

See our track record →
Land & Water

Reviewing the FML 2 forest management plan

KCN is reviewing the 2027–2046 forest management plan for Forest Management Licence 2 to protect our rights, lands and waters.

News · June 2025

Consultation & Accommodation Protocol adopted

KCN Leadership adopted our Consultation & Accommodation Protocol on June 24, 2025, setting out how partners engage with our Nation.

Our People

Bringing our people home

We are helping displaced members return home and reconnecting families with the land, language and teachings of Kiciwapa.

Kiciwapa Cree Nation and Hudbay at an agreement signing
Partnerships

Working with Hudbay

KCN and Hudbay came together for an agreement signing, continuing our work with industry through our protocol.

Connect with KCN

Get in touch

Tell us how we can help and we will route your message to the right person.

Mailing address

P.O. Box 41
Sherridon, MB R0B 1L0

Partnership inquiries

Please use Working With KCN to send a Notice of Request to Consult.

Follow us

LinkedIn

Key contacts

Our team

Use the form above and we will route your message to the right person.

Janessa Kosar North

Chief Executive Officer

Lacee Buechler

Chief Operating Officer

Floyd North

Headman · Project Director