Long Plan First Nation became the 75th First Nation signatory to the Framework on First Nation Land Management. The First Nation ratified its Land Code and approved the Individual Agreement on August 13, 2017 by a ratification vote. Ratification polling stations were held on the main reserve, four off reserve locations and done through electronic voting. The First Nation is now self-governing in the lands area and can make laws to govern its lands.
The Long Plain First Nation (LPFN) lands are known as Ga-Ke-Nush-Koo-De-Ag amongst the Ojibway Tribes of southern Manitoba. The word “Ga-Ke-Nush-Koo-De-Ag” means “long plain” in the Ojibway language and refers to the topography of the lands. Our Ojibway ancestors favoured this area for its long open plains, surrounding forested areas and proximity to the river. The plains were strategic for protection and hunting. This area was used for the summer gatherings and camping purposes. Our people adapted to the seasons and environment by building wood houses for winter and teepees for the summer, gathering foods in different times of the year.
This area was once used by large bison herds for grazing and resting areas, which was advantageous to our hunters. The bison and wildlife were very important for our people for food, clothing and tools. Other wildlife was hunted for food like the elk, deer, rabbits and small game birds. Long Plain (Section 14-10-8 wpm) before development (formatted by Shaun P. Peters – GIS Technician)
The aerial picture shows the plains before residential and infrastructure development. The “long plain” is within the reserve boundaries. The natural plain began in the north-central area where the present school is located and ends at the southern portion of the reserve near the Assiniboine River.
Today, the long plain area still exists, but new developments such roads, houses and some agriculture has slowly move in the area. The main road through the plain was known as the “Yellowquill Trail” used for a major transportation route by the First Nations and new settlers. This travel and trading route ran along the upper banks of the Assiniboine River that began in the Portage la Prairie area and continued to USA border.
First Nation Land Base
As of July 15, 2016, the First Nation owns 16,615.8 acres of land, 12,786.83 acres has Reserve Status or Crown Status. Of the First Nation lands, 3,827.83 acres is presently in the Addition-to-Reserve process of land conversion to reserve status. These figures include the urban reserve properties, Madison and Portage reserves. The land equals to 25.83 square miles: 19.97 square miles of reserve lands and 5.98 square miles of lands to be converted to reserve status.
Contact
Street Address:Rufus Prince Building
5000 Cresent Road West
Portage la Prairie, MB
Phone: (204) 857-6442
Fax: (204) 857-6684
Email: info@lplands.ca
Website: www.lplands.ca