Ocean Man officially recognized as Treaty 4 First Nation

Ocean Man First Nation signed a landmark agreement with Minister of Crown‐Indigenous Relations, Marc Miller on behalf of Canada, which officially recognizes Ocean Man as a Treaty 4 First Nation.

Ocean Man signed Treaty No. 4 on Sept. 15, 1875. In 1901, Canada amalgamated Ocean Man with two nearby First Nations, Pheasant Rump and White Bear First Nations.

After the amalgamation, Canada no longer recognized Ocean Man and Pheasant Rump as First Nations separate from White Bear. The people of Ocean Man and Pheasant Rump were moved to the White Bear reserve, and continued to reside until the early 1990's.

"This agreement formally recognizes Canada’s ongoing Treaty relationship with Ocean Man First Nation, and their inherent rights under Treaty No. 4," said Miller. "We look forward to continuing to work together as treaty partners to advance reconciliation and build a better future based on community priorities. Congratulations to Chief Big Eagle, Elders and community members on this historic day."

The agreement was signed at a private meeting in Regina attended by Ocean Man leadership and elders from the community. Miller joined in along with other federal government representatives virtually. The signatures were followed by a gift exchange between Ocean Man and the Minister. Lindsay Little Chief, member of Ocean Man First Nation offered hand drum songs as part of the day proceedings.

Chief Connie Big Eagle said,

“Ocean Man has been working toward and waiting for significant progress in our negotiations with Canada for many years. I want to acknowledge and thank all past and current Ocean Man leadership for their contributions in bringing us to the signing of this Recognition Agreement between Ocean Man and Canada.”

After years of negotiations between Ocean Man and Canada at the table of the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self‐Determination (“RIRSD”). This officially marks the end of a long period of negotiations in respect of Ocean Man’s status as a Treaty 4 First Nation.