Cross Lake First Nation ( or 'Otter People') is a band of Cree First Nations people in Canada governed under the Indian Act. Its members occupy several reserves within the town of Cross Lake situated on the east shore of Cross Lake in the province of Manitoba. In October 2008, its recorded registered membership was 6,969, of which 4,953 people of this First Nation lived on their reserve. Cross Lake is the principal community of the Pimicikamak indigenous people that made treaty with the British Crown in 1875. Its indigenous language is Woods Cree. Cross Lake was the site of a residential school operated under Canada's assimilation policy. In 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized for the damage caused by this policy. In March 2016, Cross Lake appeared in the national news after its officials declared a state of emergency because of an epidemic of suicides. The Canadian Press reported that there had been "six suicides in the last two months", and band councillor Donnie McKay said the community "is traumatized and needs immediate help from the provincial and federal governments". Demographics As of August 2014 Cross Lake First Nation had a total registered membership of 8,034 with 5,642 members living on-reserve. Governance Under the Indian Act, Cross Lake First Nation has a municipal government with a Band Council. Since 1999, the Band Council is no longer elected under the Indian Act. The Executive Council of Pimicikamak sits ex officio as the Council of the Band but continues to be the agent of the Minister of Indian Affairs for delivering programs to band members on reserve. Chief and Council Chief and Councillors are appointed under the Custom Electoral System. In their council a quorum of 5 members is needed. Chief Chief Cathy Merrick Principal Spokesperson of the Nation Primary Intergovernmental Affairs Government Relations International Relations Council Councillor Northern Flood Agreement All Northern Flood Agreement Claims/Matters Reserve Lands Natural Resources Member of the Financial Management Board Executive Council Relations Councillor Justice Restoration Justice Band Constables RCMP Courts Corrections Gaming Elders Council Liaison Councillor Housing Education Culture & Heritage Cree Language Councillor Donnie Mckay Health Economic Development Public Works Highways & Transportation Midnorth Development Corporation Ponton Arena Trust Member of the Financial Management Board Councillor Communications MCTV CFNC Cell Phone/Internet Taxation Recreation Youth Council Liaison Men's Wellness Councillor Shirley Robinson Finance Band Administration Pathways Employmnet & Training Mining Chair of the Financial