Oxford House, Manitoba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oxford House
Bunibonibee
ᐸᓂᑇᓂᐱᐩ panipwânipiy |
|
|---|---|
| Oxford House 24 | |
 Oxford House
Location in Manitoba
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Manitoba |
| Region | Northern |
| Established | 1798 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 51.01 km2 (19.70 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 664 m (2,178 ft) |
| Population
(2016)
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|
| • Total | 1,950 |
| • Density | 38.2/km2 (99/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Oxford House is a First Nations Cree community. It is located in northern Manitoba, Canada. The community is part of the Oxford House 24 Indian reserve.
You can find Oxford House on the eastern shore of Oxford Lake. It sits where the Hayes River flows into the lake. This spot is about 950 kilometers (590 miles) north of Winnipeg. The Hayes River is special because it was named a Canadian Heritage River in 2006.
The Bunibonibee Cree Nation has 13 separate land areas set aside for them. Oxford House 24 is their main reserve, where the community of Oxford House is located.
Contents
Discovering the History of Oxford House
Oxford House was started in 1798. It began as a Hudson's Bay Company trading post. This post was important for the fur trade. It was on a route between York Factory on the Hudson Bay and Norway House.
People from nearby areas moved to this trading spot. They formed the community we know today as Oxford House. The United Church also played a big part in helping the community grow. Early ministers and their wives often served as the first nurses and teachers.
Understanding the People of Oxford House
Youth Voices: Music from Oxford House
In 2016, a group called N'we Jinan visited Oxford House. They worked with young Indigenous people there to create two music videos. These videos were called "When the Dust Settles" and "BoiDee".
The videos gained attention outside the community. They offered a look into the challenges faced by young people living on remote reserves. The songs are also featured on the N'We Jinan album, Silent War, which was recorded in Vancouver in 2017.
Learning About Oxford House's Population
In 2011, the Oxford House 24 Indian reserve had 1,864 people living there. They lived in 335 homes. The land area of the reserve is 51.01 square kilometers (19.7 square miles).
The average age of people living there was 21.4 years old. About 1,500 residents said that Cree was their first language.
Community Buildings and Services
Oxford House has many important buildings and services. These help the community run smoothly every day.
- A high school, an elementary school, and a pre-school (Head Start)
- An arena for sports and events
- A Northern Store which includes a Tim Hortons
- A nursing station for healthcare
- A Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment for safety
- The University College of the North Centre for higher education
- An airport for travel
- A motel called Triple B
- A water treatment plant
- A band office
- A care home
- A medivac operation for emergencies
- A youth building
- A radio station
- A conservation office
Fire Hall
The Oxford House Fire Hall was built in 2015. It helps keep the community safe from fires.
Care Home
The George Colon Memorial Home was built in 1988. This home provides care for residents.
Outdoor Rinks
Two outdoor rinks were built in 2015. They are located at each end of the community. These rinks are open for everyone to enjoy.
Churches
There are five churches in Oxford House. They include the United Church, R.C. Church, Niyahk Bible Chapel, Full Gospel, and Pentecostal Church.
University College of the North Centre
The Oxford House UCN Centre opened its doors in 2015. It offers educational programs for adults.
Elementary School
The Elementary School was built between 1974 and 1975. It provides education for younger students.
