Norway House Cree Nation Reaping Successes Under Chief’s Leadership

Larson Anderson had some unfinished business. “I have always believed, given the right circumstances, I could make an impact as a Chief,” Anderson said. “I was a councillor for two terms, from 1994 to 1998. And I had unfinished work that was needed to make Norway House the best First Nation in Canada.” Anderson was confident he could make positive things happen for his First Nation, and though others have also done their part, his successful work in recent years with the Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba is now receiving plenty of notice. For example, Cando (the national organization that promotes and supports economic development in Indigenous communities across Canada) chose Norway House as the Community of the Year at its 2023 conference. “The road out of poverty is to create partnerships with the Federal and Provincial governments and businesses,” Anderson said following the community’s triumph. “By working with others, Norway House Cree Nation is opening the doors of opportunity and beginning to control its own destiny. Winning this prestigious national award is positive recognition for our focus and efforts over the past years.” (Winnipeg Sun, 2024) Anderson was involved with numerous other ventures between his time as a First Nations councillor and his return in 2018 as Norway House’s elected Chief. He ran his own businesses for a decade. He also went back to school, enrolling at the University of Manitoba’s prestigious Asper School of Business. Larson also worked for the First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority. “And during that time, we did some financial reviews and we found lots of mismanagement and issues with the board,” Anderson said. “So, I ended up getting into politics because all the board members were Chiefs. It wasn’t that I wanted to get involved in that type of politics but as part of the job I tried to do what’s right and what I feel is fair to the organization. Doing the reviews kind of got me back into politics.” Anderson said that he irked others by asking too many questions. He said that’s why he was let go from his position with the Child and Family Services Authority. He returned to his First Nation where he was assigned various positions, including project manager, property manager, and general manager. His inquisitiveness, however, continued. “I ask questions,” Anderson said. “That’s my nature. If people don’t like my questions, then they shouldn’t do things that they shouldn’t do. I ended up getting into hot water. I lost my job again because of the questions I had.” But this time, being the one to challenge authority proved beneficial for Anderson. “There was a big difference because now there is social media,” he said. “Prior to that, there was really no way to question the leadership in any community or reserve. Now you can get your voice out there. So, as I was questioning some of the things that were going on, I started getting more and more people interested in wanting me to come home and get back into politics.” And that’s what he did shortly thereafter. “I wanted to finish my university degree with courses from Asper as part of general Bachelor of Arts Integrated [Studies] degree,” he said. “So, I finished that and I went home and I got nominated [for Chief]. And I won. I beat the two-time [Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs] Grand Chief.” In the half dozen years, he has served as Norway House’s Chief, Anderson has had his share of accomplishments. So, what makes him happiest about working for his First Nation? “I would say …