Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation facts for kids
The Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation is a group of Ojibwe people, also known as Ontario Saulteaux. They are a self-governing First Nation located in Kenora District, Ontario, close to Nestor Falls, Ontario.
This First Nation works closely with the Big Grassy First Nation. Both are considered the modern-day groups that came from the older Assabaska Band of Saulteaux. In February 2012, there were 737 registered members of the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation. About 445 of these members lived on their own lands, called reserves.
The Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation is part of the Anishinabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council. This council helps different First Nations in the region work together. This regional council is also a member of the larger Grand Council of Treaty 3.
Our Lands: Reserves
The Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation has six special land areas called reserves. These lands are set aside for the community.
- Sabaskong Bay 35C: This reserve covers about 777 hectares (1,920 acres).
- Sabaskong Bay 35D: This is their main reserve, covering about 504 hectares (1,245 acres). Most of the community lives here.
- Sabaskong Bay 35F: This reserve is about 518 hectares (1,280 acres).
- Sabaskong Bay 35H: This reserve is about 260 hectares (642 acres).
- Assabaska: This reserve covers about 1,098 hectares (2,713 acres). It is shared with the Big Grassy First Nation.
- Agency 30: This reserve is about 379 hectares (937 acres). It is shared with 12 other First Nations.
Our Leaders: Governance
The Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation is led by a Chief and a group of Councillors. They are chosen by the community to make decisions.
The current Chief is Jeffrey Copenace. There are also five Councillors: Gus Copenace, Kathy Jack, Shawn Kelly, Kathy Kishiqueb, and Clarissa Copenace. These leaders are elected for a two-year term, and their current term will end in 2025.
Our History: Education and Community
The Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI) is an important part of the history and future of the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation. It is a college-level school that is owned and run by Aboriginal communities.
SGEI was started in 1985 by ten different First Nations bands from the Rainy Lake Tribal area. These bands include:
- Big Grassy
- Big Island
- Couchiching
- Lac La Croix
- Naicatchewenin
- Nigigoonsiminikaaning
- Ojibways of Onigaming
- Rainy River
- Seine River
- Mitaanjigaming
Each of these ten First Nations chooses one person to be on the board of directors for the Seven Generations Education Institute. This board works with an executive director to guide the school and help it serve the communities.
