The Town of The Pas and Neighboring Opaskwayak
Cree nation are commonly referred to as "The Gateway To The North".
Located on Highway 10 just over 600 kilometers north of Winnipeg,
the two communities and surrounding area have a population base of
approximately 13,000. Accessible by road, bus and rail, the community
also features a.m. and p.m. flights to Winnipeg
Opaskwayak
Cree Nation is one of the most affluent and progressive
native populations in all of Canada. With a land base of almost 15,000
acres the band is very progressive in its economic, education and
recreational development. Its economy and educational ventures include
the Otineka Mall, Gordon Lathlin Memorial Centre, Band Offices, Joe
A. Ross School, the new $8 million Kikiwak Inn and the OCN Community
Centre. OCN proudly celebrates Opaskwayak Indian Days each summer
during the month of August-a celebration of the history and pride
in the aboriginal culture.
The
Pas itself has a highly diversified economy including agriculture,
forestry, fishing, tourism, and educational/health services. The famous
Tolko, Manitoba is world renown for its pulp and paper production
and has a work force of over 900. Keewatin Community College, with
a total enrollment of over 3,000, is the north's focal point for post
secondary education. Recreational opportunities range from indoor
swimming and bowling to some of the top fishing and hunting in the
West. The highlight of the area is beautiful Clearwater Lake, one
of the three true blue lakes in the world. Each year during the third
week of February, The Pas celebrates during the Northern Manitoba
Trappers' Festival-the longest running festival in the province and
second longest running festival in the country.
