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Ocean Man First Nation breaks ground on new daycare

April 6, 2026, 10:38 am
Stephanie Zoer

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For several years Ocean Man First Nation (OMFN) has been working on plans for a new daycare, and the day finally arrived on March 27 with a groundbreaking ceremony. The event began indoors at the school.

Chief Ernest Standingready welcomed everyone to the event. He thanked the previous chief and council who had this major milestone underway for several years. He introduced Peter BigEagle who is one of the oldest members of OMFN. He opened the ceremony in a Nakoda prayer. This was followed by an honour song with drum group Justin Kaye and OMEC.

“It is important that our little people have a safe place to go,” said Standingready. “When they get older, they can stand before us maybe as chiefs or council. This building will be here for a very long time.”

Gloria Shepherd from OMFN council and committee member is excited for the community. She was also on the committee for the Community plex that was build some years ago. Craig BigEagle is also on council, and he said the future looks bright for the young people of OMFN.

Justin Holness is a newly elected council member, and he loves seeing his community thrive. He provides youth programs and is happy to see the progress in the community that will help the young people.

Fredrick BigEagle is working on a solar project for the community. This is something that is planned for the future. Principal Priscilla Smith said, “This is not just a building for strong beginnings, but for a strong future.”
Yvonne Rusanck has been the YTC Head Start Daycare Manager for over 20 years. She plans to retire after this event. She is excited for OMFN to see this project begin.

Jaime Read, ISC Health Facilities Manager, said it is more than just putting the shovel in the ground, it is a start of the future.





Chris Sheepskin is the senator for OMFN. “This gives hope for the future, and it gives culture to the little people,” said Sheepskin. “We need to teach our children softly and let them know about the history.”

Project manager Tyler Kabatoff, Architect 1080, Vanessa Keilback and CCR representative Yves Ikobe also spoke on the daycare. Ikobe said that the project should be completed in six months with a proposed completion date of September 21, 2026.





Everyone in attendance proceeded outside to the west side of the complex for the official groundbreaking. With shovels in hand, and the sun shining, the ground was broke to begin construction.

Chief Standingready thanked everyone for all they have done to get this important project going.

“Through hard work from the previous chief and council, this is an exciting day for Ocean Man First Nations people,” he said.





He asked everyone to stay for the feast that they had prepared for the event. Approximately 100 people were in attendance for the occasion.

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