The current chief of the Long Plain First Nation is David Meeches, who was elected in December 2023, returning to the post after his tenure ended in 2013.[2] Meeches replaced Kyra Wilson, who was the second female Chief in Long Plain history.[6]
Long Plain Reserve No. 6—located in the Central Plains Region of Manitoba, 14 km (8.7 mi) southwest of Portage La Prairie—is the main reserve of Long Plain First Nation.
The reserve is home to various amenities, including Arrowhead Grocery, a grocery store opened in 2016; Arrowhead Internet Services, a wireless internet service provider that provides broadband connectivity to underserved markets; and Crossing Gas Bar.[8]
Overlooking the Crescent Lake in Portage la Prairie, these lands were originally used as the site of a residential school called Portage la Prairie Presbyterian Indian Residential School (or simply the Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School).[9]
The land was first set aside as reserve i)n August 1981 in recognition of an outstanding treaty land entitlement.[10] The former residential school building was renovated in 1984 and became home to the Yellowquill College (before the college moved to Winnipeg in 2000).[9]
In 2000, the Long Plain First Nation Council entered into a 50-year head lease (now extended to 75 years) with Arrowhead Development Corp. The lands were designated for education and training purposes, later allowing for ancillary purposes.[9]
Today, the lands are subleased to the Keeshkeemaquah Conference and Gaming Centre, Miskwaanakwadook Office Building (opened in 2006), Arrowhead Gas Bar, Rufus Prince Building, White Cross Drugs and Walk-in Clinic, and Long Plain Housing Authority. The reserve is also home to a Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham.[11]
This property was purchased from Manitoba Hydro in 2006.[12] With the land spanning 11,400 m2 (2.81 acres), the purchase included a 2,733.9 m2 (29,427 sq ft) building, 4,471 m2 (48,130 sq ft) asphalt parking lot, and an additional 3,950 m2 (42,500 sq ft) gravel parking lot.
On July 2010, Long Plain and the City of Winnipeg executed a municipal services and development agreement, setting the stage for the development of the 3-acre parcel.[12]
In 2011, a significant portion of the 2,600 m2 (28,000 sq ft) building that existed there on 480 Madison was renovated and leased to the Yellowquill College Inc.; the remaining space was renovated in 2012 for office space and was leased to Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), Manito Ahbee, Eagle Vision, and Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba.
On May 23, 2013, the site officially attained reserve status and became the first urban reserve in Winnipeg.[12]
The reserve is now home to Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport, Madison Petro-Canada gas and convenience store, and the 480 Madison Building. The 480 Madison building continues to house Yellowquill College, Manito Ahbee, Eagle Vision, and the Treaty Relations Commission, as well as being home to the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Council, Saint Elizabeth First Nations Inuit and Métis Program, Setoskatowin, and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.[12]
Community and amenities
Arrowhead Development Corporation (ADC) is a development corporation that manages Long Plain band-owned businesses on and off-reserve, established to develop business concepts and incorporate businesses under a development corporation.[13] Under ADC, Long Plain First Nation owns and operates Rez Radio 101.7 FM, which services the Long Plain community.
Long Plain First Nation Annual Pow-wow began in 1876 and is one of Manitoba's longest running pow-wow celebrations. The contest usually occurs during August long weekend from Friday evening to Sunday night.
Residents of the region have included artist Linus Woods.[14]
The Long Plain First Nation operates the Long Plain School (Kindergarten to Grade 8).[15] The original campus of Yellowquill College was located in the Rufus Prince Building, which was previously used as the Portage La Prairie Presbyterian Indian Residential School on the Keeshkeemaquah Reserve.[16] Current tenants of the Rufus Prince Building include Manitoba First Nations Police Service, Long Plain First Nation Trust Long Plain Lands Department, and Long Plain Gaming Commission.[11]
