The community has long been recognized as a model for self-government. One of seven member First Nations of the Swampy Cree Tribal Council, Opaskwayak was the first band in Canada to be recognized as a municipality.

In 1968, a seemingly insignificant event took place that changed the course of the community. A band administration office opened its doors in a small house of the reserve townsite. With a staff of five, the band government began delivering welfare and general administration, and a gravel service to the membership. The band soon gained momentum in its goal of self-determination and self-sufficiency for its people. The late chief Gordon G. Lathlin is credited with being the driving force behind the turnaround.

The most notable commercial initiatives undertaken in the past 20 years include the construction of the Timberland Trailer Court and the $8 million Otineka shopping mall in 1975, which remains the centre of economic activity in the community. The three-level shopping centre encompasses 225,000 square feet and houses 25 retails stores on the main level.

In 1984, Opaskwayak became the first reserve in Canada to negotiate a gaming license with a province. Today, the band operates the successful Aseneskak Casino, located on Highway #10, north of The Kikiwak Inn.

Other successful ventures include The Pas IGA and Chimo Building Centre, as well as the Gordon Mathlin Memorial Centre - which provides year-round recreational and cultural activities.

The community is also home to a myriad of annual activities. Every August, Opaskwayak hosts northern Manitoba's biggest Indian days festival, an elaborate celebration of Cree traditions and culture. "Ma Tawa Kesekaw" takes place in January, an event which is fast becoming one of the more popular do sled races in the North. As well, Opaskwayak plays an important role each winter in the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival held in The Pas.

As with any organization charged with the well-being and prosperity of its members, The Pas Indian band is structured within clearly defined areas of responsibility. Every two years, band elections are held to choose a Chief and 12 Councillors. This governing body then serves to establish policy and provide direction for a full-time staff that administers the day-to-day commercial, social, and community operations of the band.

Overall, the group has made great strides and broken ground in numerous areas. In 1994, the community hosted the first ever Cree Nations Gathering, which was attended by Cree people from across Canada with the view of establishing a confederacy to rekindle economic and cultural ties of long ago.