Okanese First Nation

Located a few miles north and east of Balcarres, Saskatchewan, is the Anishinabe okanese first nation. In history, their ogima one Okanis, supposedly signed an adhesion to treaty four on September 9, 1875. Ogima Okanis supposedly refused to participate in the 1885 Northwest Rebellion and actually was forced to flee into the United States for some reason. Ogima Okanis was this band ogima (chief) until the 1885 Northwest Rebellion. That should tell you that some of the Anishinabek from the Okanese did fight in the 1885 war. After Okanis was forced to abdicate rule, ogima Moostooacoop became Kit-chay O-gi-ma. Okanis is a rather fascinating historical figure who does resemble ogima Little Bear who fled into Montana after the 1885 Northwest Rebellion, to escape from being executed by the Canadians for his part in the 1885 war. There are 34 Reserves which make up this First Nation. They cover an area 12,037 total hectares or 29,744 total acres. Total population is 459, with most (234) living off the Reserve, while 225 live on the Reserve. Many can trace their origins back to Montana, where they originally lived but were driven out by the whites, after the 1868-1886 war. Ogimak Big Bear or Sitting Bull, led them up to Canada.