Wasagamack First Nation facts for kids
The Wasagamack First Nation is an Oji-Cree First Nation community in Manitoba, Canada. The name "Wasagamack" comes from the Oji-Cree words ᐗᓴᑲᒪᐣᐠ, which means "At the Bay." As of 2014, over 2,000 people were part of the Wasagamack First Nation. Most of them, about 1,800 people, live on their own reserve lands.
Their main community is also called Wasagamack. It is located about 600 km (370 mi) north of Winnipeg on Island Lake. In 2011, the community had about 1,411 people. The St. Theresa Point First Nation reserve is located just south of Wasagamack.
Historically, the people of Wasagamack First Nation were part of a larger group called the Island Lake Band of "Cree." This group also included the nearby First Nations of Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, and Red Sucker Lake. In 1909, they signed an agreement called an adhesion to Treaty 5. This treaty is an important agreement between First Nations and the Canadian government.
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Where the Wasagamack First Nation Lives
The Wasagamack First Nation has three special land areas called Indian Reserves. These lands are set aside for the First Nation.
- Feather Rapids Indian Reserve: This reserve is about 472 hectares (1,166 acres) in size. It is located on the north shore of Pelican Lake.
- Naytawunkank Indian Reserve: This reserve is about 414.80 hectares (1,025 acres) in size. It is located on the south shore of Bigstone Lake.
- Wasagamack Indian Reserve: This is the largest reserve, covering about 7,446.20 hectares (18,399 acres). It is located on the west shore of Island Lake. Their main community of Wasagamack is found here.
How the Wasagamack First Nation is Governed
The Wasagamack First Nation chooses its leaders using a special way called the Custom Electoral System. Their council, which helps make decisions for the community, includes a Chief and six councillors.
The First Nation also works with several important groups. These include the Island Lake Tribal Council (ILTC), Manitoba Keewatinohk Okimahkanak (MKO), and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC). They also work with Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, which is a part of the Canadian government.
Community Services and Programs
The Wasagamack First Nation offers many services and programs to help their community members.
Government and Community Programs
The First Nation government manages various programs that support the community every day. These programs help with many different needs, such as:
- Supporting community well-being and healing.
- Managing projects for the airport and other community buildings.
- Helping with economic development to create jobs and opportunities.
- Providing housing for families.
- Supporting justice and policing services to keep the community safe.
- Organizing recreation activities for everyone.
- Ensuring good sanitation, water, and sewage services.
- Providing social assistance when needed.
- Managing television and radio broadcasting.
- Offering special services and programs for youth.
Education for All Ages
Education is very important in Wasagamack. The Wasagamack Education Authority manages all the educational services. They run the local school and other learning programs.
- George Knott School: This school teaches students from nursery (preschool) all the way up to grade twelve. There are more than 500 students who attend the school. It has a main building and several portable classrooms to fit all the students.
- The Education Authority also helps adults who want to continue their education. They also provide funding services for students who want to go to college or university.
Religious Life in the Community
Both traditional Midewiwin practices and Christianity are part of the community's spiritual life. There are three different churches in Wasagamack:
- A Roman Catholic Church.
- A United Church.
- A Full Gospel/Pentecostal Church.
Notable People from Wasagamack
- J.J. Harper was a former Chief of the Wasagamack First Nation.
