Water is an integral part of Métis life. It brings sustenance and connects northern communities. Roads connecting many northern Métis communities in Saskatchewan are sparse, for example, (Ile-a-la Crosse, Buffalo Narrows, La Loche, Patunauk, Pinehouse), whereas water is plentiful. In many cases, travel by water is preferred over road travel in summer months. These communities are connected via the Churchill River system.