Muskowekwan First Nation facts for kids
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|
| People | Saulteaux |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty 4 |
| Headquarters | Lestock |
| Province | Saskatchewan |
| Land | |
| Main reserve | Muskowekwan 85 |
| Other reserve(s) |
|
| Population (2019) | |
| On reserve | 579 |
| Off reserve | 1384 |
| Total population | 1963 |
| Government | |
| Chief | Reginald Bellerose |
| Tribal Council | |
| Touchwood Agency Tribal Council | |
| Website | |
| muskowekwan.ca | |
The Muskowekwan First Nation is a group of Saulteaux people. The Saulteaux are also known as Ojibway. This First Nation lives about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Melville, Saskatchewan, Canada. In 2008, there were 1,517 registered members. About 400 of them lived on their reserve land.
Contents
Discovering Muskowekwan First Nation History
The Muskowekwan First Nation has a rich history. Their story is deeply connected to the land and important agreements.
Early Life and Leadership
Before 1874, Chief Ka-nee-na-wup led the Saulteaux band. His name in the Anishinaabe language means "One Who Sits Like an Eagle." They lived near the Upper Qu'Appelle Lakes.
After Chief Ka-nee-na-wup passed away, his son became chief. His name was Muscowequan, or Muskowekwan. In the Anishinaabe language, this means "Hard Quill."
Understanding Treaty 4
On September 15, 1874, a very important agreement was made. The Government of Canada signed Treaty 4 with several First Nations. These included the Cree and Saulteaux peoples. Chief Ka-kee-na-wup signed for the Muskowekwan First Nation.
Treaty 4 is also called the Qu'Appelle Treaty. The first signings happened at Fort Qu'Appelle, North-West Territories. More signings continued until September 1877.
Why Treaty 4 Was Signed
The Canadian government wanted to gain land. This land was for European settlement, farming, and new industries. They also wanted to build a transcontinental railway. This railway would run through southern Saskatchewan.
First Nations leaders had a key demand: education. The buffalo, a main food source, were almost gone. They wanted new tools and knowledge for a strong future.
What First Nations Received
Under Treaty 4, the Cree and Saulteaux First Nations gave up most of southern Saskatchewan. In return, they received smaller pieces of land. They also got long-term promises from the government. These promises covered areas like education.
Treaty Conditions and Benefits
The treaty included several conditions for the First Nations. These were meant to help them adapt to new ways of life.
- Land: Reserves were set aside, about 1 square mile for every 5 people.
- Payments: Chiefs received $25 each year, plus a coat and medal. Headmen received $15 each year. Every individual received $5 each year.
- Supplies: Chiefs received a suit of clothing every three years. The community received blankets, fabric, and a British flag once.
- Hunting and Fishing: They received $750 worth of powder, shot, and twine each year.
- Farming Tools: Each family received 2 hoes, a spade, a scythe, an axe, and seeds. For every ten families, there was 1 plough and 2 harrows.
- Chief's Tools: The chief received oxen, a bull, 4 cows, carpenter's tools, 5 hand saws, 5 augers, a crosscut saw, a pit saw, and a grindstone.
- Education: A school was promised on the reserve.
- Safety: No liquor was allowed on the reserve.
- Rights: They kept their rights to hunt, fish, and trap.
Muskowekwan First Nation Potash Mine Project
The Muskowekwan First Nation is involved in an exciting project. They are developing a potash mine. Potash is a mineral used in fertilizers.
Federal Government Support
The federal government has approved this project. It falls under the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act (FNCIDA). This Act helps the government create rules for large projects on reserve lands. These rules are similar to those for projects off-reserve.
Economic Opportunities
The potash mine project is a partnership. It involves First Potash Ventures and Muskowekwan Resources Ltd. The mine is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Regina.
This mine is expected to produce a lot of potash. It could produce up to 2.8 million tons each year for over 50 years. This project will create many jobs and training opportunities. It will bring economic benefits to the Muskowekwan First Nation and the surrounding area.
How Muskowekwan First Nation is Governed
The Muskowekwan First Nation has its own government. They elect leaders to manage their community.
Electing Leaders
The First Nation elects its council every two years. This is done under the Act Electoral System. The current Chief is Reginald Bellerose. The Councillors are Eric Moise, Ernest Moise, Shawn Moise, Rosalie Pambrun, William Pinacie, Dolores Windigo, Calven Wolfe, and Leon Wolfe. Their terms began on March 1, 2007.
The council is part of the Touchwood Tribal Agency Council. This is a group of Chiefs from the region.
Understanding Reserve Lands
The Muskowekwan First Nation lives on several Indian reserves. A reserve is land set aside for First Nations.
Expanding Land Holdings
In 1993, the Muskowekwan First Nation settled a Treaty Land Entitlement Claim. This agreement allowed them to increase their land. Their total land holdings are now 12,517.3 hectares (about 30,930 acres).
Their main reserve is the Muskowekwan 85 Indian Reserve. It covers 7,381.7 hectares (about 18,240 acres). It is located 64 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of Fort Qu'Appelle.
They also have other reserves in the Muskowekwan 85 series. These range from 6.1 hectares to 776.3 hectares in size. In total, these smaller reserves add up to 9,559.3 hectares.
The First Nation also has the 508.2 hectare Last Mountain Lake 80A Indian Reserve. They share the 37.1 hectare Treaty Four Reserve Grounds 77 with 32 other First Nations. This shared land is next to Fort Qu'Appelle.
Community Services and Infrastructure
The Muskowekwan First Nation has important buildings and services for its community. These include:
- A band office and medical clinic
- A band hall for community events
- A workshop and maintenance office
- A water treatment plant and pump house
- A school and teacherage
- An outdoor skating rink
