North Caribou Lake First Nation facts for kids
North Caribou Lake First Nation, also known as Weagamow First Nation, is a community of Oji-Cree people in northern Ontario, Canada. It's about 320 kilometers (200 miles) north of Sioux Lookout by air. In January 2008, about 928 people were registered members of this First Nation. Around 677 of them lived on their reserve land.
Quick facts for kids
Weagamow Lake 87
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| Weagamow Lake Indian Reserve No. 87 | |
 Weagamow Lake 87
Location in Ontario
Weagamow Lake 87
Location in Canada
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| District | Kenora |
| First Nations | North Caribou Lake |
| Area | |
| • Land | 95.75 km2 (36.97 sq mi) |
| Population
(2006)
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| • Total | 700 |
| • Density | 7.3/km2 (19/sq mi) |
Contents
About North Caribou Lake First Nation
The North Caribou Lake First Nation is a group of First Nations people. They are part of the Oji-Cree culture. They live in the Kenora District in northern Ontario, Canada.
What's in a Name?
The official name for this First Nation is "North Caribou Lake First Nation." This name is registered with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. However, the community is located on Weagamow Lake. Because of this, it's also known as "Weagamow First Nation."
The word Wiyaagamaa in the Oji-Cree language means "Round Lake." So, the community is sometimes called "Round Lake First Nation" too.
How the Community is Led
The North Caribou Lake First Nation chooses its leaders using a special system called a Custom Electoral System. This system helps them pick their Chief and seven councillors. These leaders help make decisions for the community.
As of 2020, the Chief is Cornelius Benson. The Head Band Councillor is Ernest Quequish. Other important leaders include Silas Jeremiah (Elder Band Councillor) and Carlena Petawanick (Youth Advocate Band Councillor). Paul Johnup, Raymond Adams, Grace Matawapit, and Leo Sakchekapo are also Band Councillors.
The North Caribou Lake First Nation signed an agreement called the 1929 Adhesion to Treaty No. 9. This treaty is an important agreement between First Nations and the Canadian government. Because they signed this treaty, they are part of two larger groups:
- The Windigo First Nations Council, which is a group of Regional Chiefs.
- Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which is a political group that helps many First Nation governments in Northern Ontario.
On July 18, 1930, several people signed the treaty for the Nation. They were Apin Kakapeness, Jonas Wasakimik, Samuel Sawanis, John Quequeish, Patrick Kakekayash, and Sena Sakchekapo. They all signed using Syllabic script, which is a writing system for Indigenous languages.
Their Land: The Reserve
The First Nation has its own special land called the Weagamow Lake Indian Reserve 87. This reserve covers about 9,172.3 hectares (about 35 square miles). The community of Weagamow Lake, Ontario, is located on this Indian reserve.
