Big Island Lake Cree Nation facts for kids
| People | Cree |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty 6 |
| Headquarters | Pierceland |
| Province | Saskatchewan |
| Land | |
| Reserve(s) | |
| Land area | 47.001 km2 |
| Population (2021) | |
| On reserve | 887 |
| Off reserve | 379 |
| Total population | 1266 |
| Government | |
| Chief | David Sandfly |
| Council |
Carvey Sandfly
Donna Oseemeemow Annabelle Sandfly Ryan Sandfly |
| Tribal Council | |
| Yawpowitik | |
| Website | |
| Wikipedia | |
The Big Island Lake Cree Nation is a Cree First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. Their name in the Cree language is Cree: ᒥᐢᑎᑯᐢᑳᐤ ᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (mistikoskâw-sâkahikan). This means "many trees lake."
They have their own special land called a reserve. This reserve is also named Big Island Lake Cree Nation. It is located inside the Rural Municipality of Beaver River No. 622.
Contents
History of the Big Island Lake Cree Nation
Signing Treaty 6
On June 25, 1913, Chief Joseph Bighead signed an agreement. This agreement was an addition to Treaty 6. The Big Island Lake Cree Nation was sometimes called Lac Des Isles back then.
Government officials started calling them "Joseph Bighead's Band." This name stuck for many years.
Returning to the Original Name
In the year 2000, the First Nation reminded the government. They wanted to be called by their original name. This name is Big Island Lake Cree Nation. Their land is called Big Island Lake Cree Territory. This is how it was signed in the treaty.
Independent Spirit
Chief Joseph Bighead, also known as Atinistikwan, was a strong leader. He chose not to follow other groups. His band continues to be independent. They are not part of any Tribal Council or Federation. They believe this helps protect their Treaty Rights.
