Copyright ©Tammy Neal, Jean Marie River First Nation 2007

 

History – Jean Marie River

 

Traditionally, it is believed that Jean Marie River was first founded by three sisters who were from Fort Providence. Their names were Sophie, Cecile and Marguerite Besage. According to the Diocese of the Northwest Territories’ records Sophie married a man named Egaondi Ekali, Cecile was married to Joseph Sanguez and Marguerite had married Baptiste Norwegian, she later divorced Baptiste and was remarried to Charles Sanguez. After marriage, each family chose to settle in the Jean Marie River area because it was known to be rich in wildlife and was also an ideal place to fish.

 

History - Tthek’e’hde’li, First Nation

 

Up until 1992, the Tthek’e’hde’li, (Jean Marie River) Dene Band had been a sub-office of the Liidlii Ku,e, ( Fort Simpson) Dene Band. It was the community’s decision to establish themselves as their own band. Since our formation, we have grown to 113 band members.

 

History - Louie Norwegian School

 

The Jean Marie River Territorial School first opened its doors in 1953. It should also be mentioned, that it was the first school in the Northwest Territories to be funded by the Federal Government (Department of Indian and Northern Affairs).

 

During this time, the school maintained its own power source, which was the only one in the community. In addition to this, the school also kept a 25 watt, 2-way transmitter to communicate with the community’s nearest neighbor, which is Fort Simpson. Its main source of water came from a ground water well that was 14 1/2, deep.

 

In 1959, a two bedroom apartment was added to the school. The building grew to include the following rooms: a classroom, kitchen, bathroom, utility room, 2 bedrooms, a living room and two vestibules.

 

The grades taught were kindergarten to grade six; there was even some adult education courses offered during the evenings for anyone interested. After completing grade six, the students were housed in Fort Simpson to complete their Junior High Schooling. Then from Fort Simpson they moved on to Yellowknife to reside in Akaitcho Hall to complete their High School.

 

It wasn’t until 1982 that the school’s name was changed to ‘Louie Norwegian Territorial School.’ The name was changed to honor their Chief, Mr. Louie Norwegian (1907-1977) who was an outstanding leader of Jean Marie River First Nation.

 

In 1986 the grades were extended to include grades 7, 8 and 9. After which, students had the option of either completing their High school in Fort Simpson or Yellowknife.

 

In 1994, Nakehko’ Koe Holdings of Fort Simpson commenced construction of a newer school. The new school officially opened on September 8, 1995.

 

History - Jean Marie River Convenience Store

 

The Hudson’s Bay Company is believed to be the first to open a store in Jean Marie River. The store was operated by a local man who was also a licensed trader. It is not known exactly when the store came to be, but as of 1965, the sawmill carried on its operation. During this time, the store was operated by Louie Norwegian who relocated the store to a small shack near his home and then again to his basement.

 

In 1970, the community received enough funding to build a small structure, which at first, served as a community hall. It was re-opened in 1972 as the Jean Marie River Co-op Store. Supplies were shipped every fall, by a barge from Hay River. This included only the basic necessities.

 

This arrangement was successful up until 1993, when the Co-op Store filed for bankruptcy. However, after some careful planning, T & J Grocery and the Jean Marie River First Nation worked together to re-open the store. On March 8, 1996 the Jean Marie River Convenience Store re-opened under the management of Tiffany Bourgeois and Gail Sanguez who reported to the Co-op Store’s Board of Directors.

 

Currently, there is no store in Jean Marie River. The Band is looking at ways to re-open the store.