Ocean Man First Nation

Chief Kitchi-Kah-Me-Win (Great Seaman or Ocean Man, Kicheekahmenin, Kickekamewin) signed an adhesion to Treaty 4 on September 9, 1875. In 1882 a 23,680-acre reserve was surveyed for this Assiniboine, Cree, and Saulteaux band, adjacent to Chief Pheasant Rump's reserve in the Moose Mountains north of KISBEY. The band's agricultural development was noted in many reports over the years; but in 1901, following several years of persuasion, the band surrendered its entire reserve and amalgamated with the White Bear Band. Once relocated on the White Bear Reserve they began to rebuild, using their agricultural experience. In the 1970s Ocean Man descendants were part of a land claim launched against the federal government that eventually saw the successful re-establishment of both the band (1988) and their reserve (1992). The re-established reserve is located 18 km north of Stoughton and has a current land base of 4,128.4 ha. The reserve is home to 51 of the 324 registered members. Their economy is based on agriculture, off-reserve employment, and some gas and oil revenue. Facilities available include a band office, powwow grounds, school, day care, health clinic, community well, and water plant. In 1997, the Ocean Man band was noted for being the only First Nation in Canada with an elected all-female council and chief.

Christian Thompson