Ochapowace Nation facts for kids
| People | Cree |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty 4 |
| Headquarters | Whitewood |
| Province | Saskatchewan |
| Land | |
| Main reserve | Ochapowace 71 |
| Other reserve(s) |
|
| Population (2019) | |
| On reserve | 642 |
| On other land | 1 |
| Off reserve | 1247 |
| Total population | 1890 |
| Government | |
| Chief | Margaret Bear |
| Website | |
| ochapowace.com | |
The Ochapowace Nation (Cree: ᐅᒑᐳᐍᐢ ocâpowês) is a Cree First Nation located in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. A First Nation is a group of Indigenous people in Canada. The Ochapowace Nation is part of the larger Cree family, one of the largest groups of First Nations in North America.
Contents
Who are the Ochapowace People?
The Ochapowace Nation is made up of Cree people. Their traditional language is Cree, which is spoken by many Indigenous communities across Canada. The name ocâpowês means "little chief" or "leader of the young men" in the Cree language.
Where is the Ochapowace Nation Located?
The main home of the Ochapowace Nation is in southern Saskatchewan. Their headquarters, or main office, is in a town called Whitewood. This area is part of the traditional lands of the Cree people.
Understanding Reserves
First Nations in Canada often have special areas of land called reserves. These lands are set aside for the use and benefit of the First Nation. The Ochapowace Nation has several reserves. The main one is called Ochapowace 71. They also have many smaller pieces of land, like Ochapowace 71-1, Ochapowace 71-2, and so on, up to Ochapowace 71-132.
The Ochapowace Nation also shares a special reserve called Treaty Four Reserve Grounds 77. This land is shared with 32 other First Nations. It is a place where many different communities can gather.
Treaty 4 and Its Importance
The Ochapowace Nation is a signatory to Treaty 4. This is an important agreement made between the Crown (representing the Canadian government) and several First Nations in 1874. Treaties like Treaty 4 set out the rights and responsibilities of both sides. They are a big part of Canadian history and how First Nations relate to the rest of Canada.
Leadership of the Nation
Like many communities, the Ochapowace Nation has its own leaders. The head leader is called the Chief. As of 2019, the Chief of the Ochapowace Nation is Margaret Bear. The Chief and a council work together to make decisions for their community.
Population and Community Life
In 2019, the Ochapowace Nation had a total population of 1,890 people. Of these, 642 people lived on their reserve lands. Another 1,247 members lived off-reserve, in other towns or cities. A small number, just 1 person, lived on other First Nation lands. The Nation works to support all its members, no matter where they live.
