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The Okanese First Nation app is now available
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About
About Okanese First Nation
Okanese First Nation is a Cree-speaking community in the File Hills of Saskatchewan and a signatory to Treaty 4.
Okanese First Nation, known in Cree as ᐅᑭᓃᐢ (okinîs), meaning "little rose hip," is a Cree-speaking community in Saskatchewan. Members are mainly of Cree ancestry, with Saulteaux and Nakota heritage. The Nation is named for Chief Okanis (Okanese), who signed an adhesion to Treaty 4 on September 9, 1875, and settled in the File Hills, northeast of Fort Qu'Appelle.
The Nation's land holdings include urban lands in Balcarres and lands used for regular culture camps. Members continue to hunt and gather throughout their traditional lands. The community has a strong tradition of caring for children and Elders, and it is working to revitalize its language and cultural practices while honouring its history. Meetings may open with prayers, smudging ceremonies and other cultural practices.
Community life is supported by programs and services, including:
- Mental health services
- Parenting classes
- Job training
- Community gardening
- An Aboriginal Head Start early learning centre, built in 2025
Past achievements include the Swan Plain Lodge and the band-operated community radio station, the first in the province. Okanese First Nation is led by Chief Richard Stonechild and is a member of the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council. Learn more at the Okanese First Nation website.
- People
- Cree, with Saulteaux and Nakota heritage
- Treaty
- Treaty 4
- Tribal council
- File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council
- Band number
- 382
- Population
- 748
- Province
- Saskatchewan
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