Introduction

Located north of the 53rd parallel in northwestern Manitoba and immediately adjacent to the Town of the Pas, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) Reserves consists of 17 parcels of land varying in size, and having a total acreage of 14,288 (5,782 hectares). OCN, located at the junction of the Saskatchewan and Pasquia Rivers , is 620 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg via PTH #10 (375 kilometres by air).

A member of the Swampy Cree Tribal Council, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, then The Pas Band, signed an Adhesion to Treaty No. 5 in September 1876. As with other Cree dialects spoken in Manitoba , the Opaskwayak Cree language is derived from the Algonquian linguistic family.

Background

The Opaskwayak Cree Nation first opened its administration office in 1968 with an initial staff of five. Since then, OCN's continued drive for progress and independence have fuelled a staff increase which now totals approximately 425 employees serving a membership of over 4,300.

As with any organization charged with the well being and prosperity of its members, The Opaskwayak Cree Nation is structured within clearly defined areas of responsibility. Every two years, band elections are held to choose a Chief and 12 Councillors. This governing body then serves to establish policy and provide direction for a full-time staff that administers the day-to-day commercial, social, and community operations of the band.

Otineka Mall

OCN's first major economic development venture was realized in 1975 when the construction of the Otineka shopping mall was completed at a cost of $8 million. The three-level shopping centre encompasses 225,000 square feet and houses 25 retails stores on the main level. The Otineka Mall today remains the centre of economic activity in the community.

Lands Management

In 1970 OCN established a land management unit and in 1980 became a section 53/60 band. Sections 53 & 60 of the Indian Act contain provisions for First Nations to assume land management responsibilities (as opposed to having the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) manage the lands). Operating under the umbrella of the Band Development Authority (BDA - established in 1974), the Lands Department manages four residential and two commercial lease areas, as well as a variety of land use permits. In February 1996 OCN took another step towards independence, becoming one of the 14 First Nations to sign the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management (The First Nations Land Management Act (FNLMA), which ratifies and brings into effect the Framework Agreement, was introduced as Bill C-49 in June 1998, received Royal Assent on June 17, 1999). The FNLMA allows a First Nation to establish its own land codes and is one means of addressing the restrictive land management provisions of the Indian Act. OCN held a successful ratification vote for its Land Code in June 2002, and is currently working towards full implementation of its own land management regime.

Gaming

In 1984 OCN became the first Band in Canada to negotiate a gaming license with a province. In keeping with their progressive nature, OCN signed a Native Gaming Commission agreement signed with Manitoba in 1990. Gaming activities managed by the OCN Gaming Authority include bingos, raffles, breakopen tickets, and Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). OCN is also a partner of the Aseneskak Casino, which is owned by First Nations in the Swampy Cree Tribal Area and opened for business in February 2002.

Paskwayak Business Development Corporation

The Paskwayak Business Development Corporation (PBDC) was incorporated in 1987 with a mandate to oversee the business and community economic development of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. PBDC plans and implements commercial development and business investment initiatives and controls short term and long term growth of business portfolios. Current portfolios include retail and service outlets, property management, gravel and concrete operations, as well as on-going plans for community economic development projects.

The umbrella of Paskwayak Business Development Corporation covers eight band-owned businesses and employs approximately 225 band members. This figure, added to the other 200 plus employees, makes the Opaskwayak Cree Nation the second-largest employer in the community. Further, by providing financial support and business expertise through its business development wing, the corporation has helped more than 50 band members start their own businesses.

Opaskwayak Cree Nation - Joe A. Ross School

With major accomplishments under their belt, OCN truly began hitting their stride and in 1991 The Pas Indian Band formally changed its name to the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. This was followed in the same year by the opening of the Joe A. Ross School which offers grades K-12. Operated by the Opasquiak Education Authority, the Joe A. Ross School has an annual enrolment of over 850 students and is currently planning for the construction of a second teaching facility.

OCN Blizzard

In 1996 OCN purchased the right to operate a Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) team. The OCN Blizzard immediately became a force in the Junior A league in Manitoba , winning their divisional championship in their first year of existence. The OCN Blizzard have continued in their winning ways, establishing new records and most recently were finalists in the Royal Bank Cup, held in Halifax in May 2002, and in the 2003 season capped off a successful “Drive for Five” consecutive MJHL championships. The home of the OCN Blizzard is the Gordon Lathlin Memorial Centre, which was established in 1976 and is named after the late Chief Gordon Lathlin, who was credited with being the driving force behind OCN.

OCN Tax Regime

OCN’s first step in implementing a tax regime on their commercially leased lands was to pass their OCN Land Tax By-law in 1996. The OCN Expenditure By-law was passed in 1998, and the taxation structure was completed in 1998 with the passing of the OCN Rate By-law. As the OCN Rate By-law sets out the taxation (mill) rate to be used in the calculation of taxes due, this is an annual by-law that is renewed yearly. By using a mill rate that is more then competitive, OCN has managed to develop an additional source of revenue, while continuing to provide an attractive source of lands available for leasing purposes.

Kikiwak Inn

July 1997 saw yet another economic development achievement realized for OCN with the Grand Opening of the 60-room Kikiwak Inn, located on the OCN reserve. Spearheaded by PBDC and completed at a cost of approximately $8.5 million, the Kikiwak Inn is a world class hotel featuring delicious dining, a lounge, and the most modern business and banquet facilities. Their full service restaurant, the Niska Dining Room, can present traditional northern meals or the very best in continental fare. There is an indoor pool and hot tub, as well as an exercise room, and their rooms and suites are spacious, modern, and competitively priced.

Treaty Land Entitlement

On January 22, 1999 , OCN became the eighth First Nation to sign its Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement (TLEA), which sets out OCN's entitlement to an additional 22,690 hectares (56,068 acres) to be set aside as reserve land.

DIAND Funding

OCN signed their Canada/First Nations Funding Agreement (CFNFA) with DIAND on January 27, 2000 , the first of its kind to be negotiated in Manitoba . The CFNFA represents a type of joint funding arrangement designed to direct all federal funding to the First Nation through one mechanism. This type of block funding allows OCN greater control of day-to-day decision making and represents another step toward self-management and self-government for OCN and provides OCN a means to prioritize the development of programs and services based on the needs and aspirations of its community members.

Opaskwayak Indian Days

The community is also home to a myriad of annual activities. Every August, Opaskwayak hosts northern Manitoba 's biggest Indian days festival. The Opaskwayak Indian Days is an elaborate celebration of Cree traditions and culture. As well, OCN plays an important role each winter in the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival held in The Pas. Other annual activities include the Wayne Young Memorial Golf Tournament, as well as fishing derbies, and a variety of sporting events.