Peguis First Nation
Peguis First Nation (formerly St. Peter's Band, Ojibwe: Oshki-ishkonigan meaning new reserve) is the largest First Nations community in Manitoba, Canada, with a population of approximately 11,438 people (3,607 on reserve and 7,831 off reserve). The members of Peguis are of Saulteaux (Ojibway) and Maškēkowak (Swampy Cree) descent.
Flag of Peguis First Nation, created by elder Freda Bear in 1983 | |
| People | Saulteaux (Ojibway) and Swampy Cree (Maškēkowak) |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty 1 |
| Land | |
| Main reserve | Peguis 1B |
| Other reserve(s) | Peguis 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, and St. Peters Fishing Station 1A
|
| Population | |
| On reserve | 3,607 |
| Off reserve | 7,831 |
| Total population | 11,438 |
| Government | |
| Chief | Stan Bird |
| Tribal Council | |
| Interlake Reserves Tribal Council | |
| Website | |
| peguisfirstnation | |
The main reserve, Peguis 1B, is located approximately 196 kilometres north of Winnipeg. The reserve is currently located about 170 km northwest of the original reserve (called St. Peter's). It was moved to its present location in 1907 after an illegal land transfer.
The First Nation is named after Peguis, the chief who led a band of Saulteaux people from present-day Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, area to a Cree settlement at Netley Creek, Manitoba, and to present-day East Selkirk, Manitoba.