Skownan First Nation facts for kids
| People | Saulteaux |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty 2 |
| Headquarters | Skownan, Manitoba |
| Land | |
| Main reserve | Waterhen 45 |
| Population (2015) | |
| On reserve | 750 |
| Total population | 1,464 |
| Government | |
| Chief | Cameron Cacheway |
| Tribal Council | |
| West Region Tribal Council | |
The Skownan First Nation is a community of the Saulteaux people, who are part of the larger Ojibwe group. They are a self-governing First Nation in Manitoba, Canada. Their main home is called Waterhen 45, which is about 288 kilometers (179 miles) north of Winnipeg. It's located on the south shore of Waterhen Lake, between two big lakes: Lake Winnipeg and Lake Winnipegosis.
As of May 2015, the Skownan First Nation had 1,464 registered members. About 750 of these members lived on their reserve land. The Skownan First Nation is also a member of the West Region Tribal Council, which helps different First Nations work together.
The Skownan First Nation even has its own local radio station, 98.7 SKO FM. This station helps keep the community connected and informed.
Contents
A Look at Skownan First Nation's History
Long ago, the Skownan First Nation was known by different names. First, they were called the Waterhen River Band of Saulteaux. Later, they were simply known as the Waterhen First Nation. It's important not to confuse them with another group called the Waterhen Lake Band of Cree in Saskatchewan.
The Skownan First Nation signed an important agreement called Treaty 2. This treaty was made between First Nations and the Canadian government. The name "Skownan" comes from the Anishinaabe language word Ne-biimiskonaan. This word means 'to turn around the point' or 'turning point'.
How Skownan First Nation is Governed
The Skownan First Nation chooses its leaders through elections. These elections happen every four years. The main leader is called the Chief, and there are also Councillors who help make decisions. The current Chief is Cameron Catcheway. The Councillors are Ken Catcheway, Sterling Catcheway, Jimmy Chartrand, and Charlotte Nepinak.
The First Nation is part of the West Region Tribal Council. This council is a group that helps different First Nations in the region work together on common goals.
Past Chiefs of Skownan First Nation
The Skownan First Nation has had many important leaders throughout its history. Here are some of the Chiefs who have guided the community:
- 1871: Francois, also known as Broken Fingers. He was one of the people who signed Treaty 2.
- 1872–1885: Katahkahwaynaas
- 1885–1922: Baptiste O'kitchekeshowenin, also known as Nepinak
- 1922–1950: Hermus Nepinak
- 1951–1955: Alex Catcheway (served two terms)
- 1955–1959: Moise Catcheway (served two terms)
- 1959–1961: Alex Catcheway (served a third term)
- 1961–1963: Joe Catcheway
- 1963–1965: Carl Gabriel
- 1965–1967: Alphonse Catcheway
- 1967–1969: Moise Catcheway (served a third term)
- 1969–1971: Donald Catcheway
- 1971–1979: Moise Catcheway (served four more terms)
- 1979–1983: Harvey Nepinak (served two terms)
- 1983–1987: Larry Catagas
- 1987–1999: Harvey Nepinak (served six more terms)
- 1999–2003: Bernard Catcheway (served two terms)
- 2003–2005: Robert Lavallee
- 2005–2010: Harvey Nepinak (served two and a half more terms)
- 2010–present: Cameron Catcheway
Skownan First Nation's Land
The Skownan First Nation has one main Indian reserve called Waterhen Indian Reserve No. 45. This land is very important to the community. It covers an area of about 1,856.7 hectares.
