The Shamattawa First Nation, Manitoba (Cree: ᑭᓭᒫᑖᐘ, kisêmâtâwa) is a remote First Nations community nestled in the northern reaches of Manitoba, Canada. This unique community is situated in the reserve of Shamattawa 1, on the banks of the Gods River where the Echoing River joins as a right tributary.
As of 2016, the population of Shamattawa First Nation, Manitoba was 1,019, marking a 2.1% increase from the 2011 figure of 998. This remote, isolated community is only connected to the rest of the province by winter and ice roads for part of the year. These temporary roads traverse over frozen water, extending east of the community towards Fort Severn and Peawanuck, Ontario. The community can also be accessed via the Shamattawa Airport. Despite its isolation, the community is self-sufficient with its own grocery store.
In August 2010, a polar bear was sighted in Shamattawa, 400 kilometres (249 mi) south of its typical range. This rare sighting is a testament to the diverse wildlife that can be encountered in this remote community.
Shamattawa First Nation, Manitoba experiences a subarctic climate (Köppen climate classification Dfc) characterized by mild summers and severely cold winters. The community receives moderate precipitation, which is significantly higher in summer than at other times of the year. Due to its proximity to the Hudson Bay, storm systems often blow ashore with little warning, adding an element of unpredictability to the weather patterns.
