Ocean Man First Nation facts for kids
| Treaty | Treaty 4 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Stoughton |
| Province | Saskatchewan |
| Land | |
| Main reserve | Ocean Man 69 |
| Other reserve(s) | |
| Land area | 45.768 km2 |
| Population (2019) | |
| On reserve | 146 |
| Off reserve | 415 |
| Total population | 561 |
| Government | |
| Chief | Connie Big Eagle |
| Tribal Council | |
| Yorkton Tribal Administration | |
The Ocean Man First Nation is a community of Indigenous people located in southeastern Saskatchewan, Canada. This First Nation is made up of three main groups: the Assiniboine, Cree, and Saulteaux peoples. They work together as a band government, which is like their own local government. In 1997, the Ocean Man First Nation made history. It was the only First Nation in Canada at that time where all the leaders, including the chief and council members, were women.
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About the Ocean Man First Nation
The Ocean Man First Nation is one of many Indigenous communities in Canada. A "First Nation" is a term used to describe the various Indigenous peoples in Canada who are not Inuit or Métis. Each First Nation has its own unique history, culture, and traditions.
Their Government and Leaders
The Ocean Man First Nation has its own government, called a "band government." This government helps manage the community's affairs. It includes a chief and a council, who are elected by the community members. These leaders make decisions that affect the daily lives of their people. For example, they might decide on housing, education, or community programs.
A notable moment for the Ocean Man First Nation was in 1997. At this time, all the elected leaders were women. This showed strong female leadership within the community. The current chief is Connie Big Eagle. The band's main office, or headquarters, is in Stoughton.
Treaty and Tribal Council
The Ocean Man First Nation is part of Treaty 4. This is a historic agreement signed in 1874 between the Crown (representing the Canadian government) and several First Nations. Treaties like this set out promises and agreements about land use and other rights.
The Ocean Man First Nation is also part of the Yorkton Tribal Administration. This is a larger group of First Nations that work together. They share resources and support each other on common goals.
Where They Live: Reserves
The Ocean Man First Nation has several pieces of land called "reserves." These lands are set aside for the use and benefit of the First Nation. They are protected under Canadian law.
The main reserve for the Ocean Man First Nation is Ocean Man 69. In addition to this, they have several other smaller reserves. These include:
- Ocean Man 69A
- Ocean Man 69B
- Ocean Man 69C
- Ocean Man 69D
- Ocean Man 69E
- Ocean Man 69F
- Ocean Man 69G
- Ocean Man 69H
- Ocean Man 69I
- Ocean Man 69N
- Ocean Man 69S
- Ocean Man 69U
- Ocean Man 69X
They also share a special reserve called Treaty Four Reserve Grounds 77. This land is shared among 33 different First Nations. It is an important place for gatherings and ceremonies.
Population and Land Area
In 2019, the total population of the Ocean Man First Nation was 415 people. Out of these, 146 people lived on their reserves. The total area of their main reserve, Ocean Man 69, is about 45.768 square kilometers. This is roughly the size of 4,577 football fields.
