About Okanese First Nation
The Okanese First Nation is made up of more than 700 members, who are primarily of Cree ancestry, as well as Saulteaux and Nakota heritage. The number of on-reserve members is 291 and off-reserve is 408. The First Nation was named after its first leader, Chief Okanese, who signed an adhesion to historical Treaty #4 on September 9, 1875. The Okanese First Nation is located in the southern Saskatchewan, File Hills region, about an hour east of Regina, with the nearest town of Balcarres located about 16 kilometres west. The total land holdings are 26,023 acres, including urban lands in Balcarres and lands that serve as the site for regular culture camps. In addition, members hunt and gather throughout our traditional lands or so-called ‘Crown’ lands.
