Billy Morin facts for kids
William Morin IV, also known as Billy Morin, is a leader from the Cree First Nations community in Canada. His Cree name is Nahtokitopi, which means "Rides a Sacred Horse." From August 2015 to June 2022, he was the elected Chief of the Enoch Cree Nation. He has worked to build strong connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups. His goal is to help communities grow economically and socially, and to support reconciliation.
On May 5, 2024, it was announced that he will be running as a candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada in the Edmonton Northwest area during the next federal election.
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Family Background
Billy Morin is named after his ancestor, Chief William (Billy) Morin I. He is also a fifth-generation descendant of Chief Alexis Morin. Billy Morin has two sons and one daughter with his wife, Felecia.
Education and Early Career
Morin went to Edmonton’s St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School. He then studied at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), where he completed programs in Civil Engineering Technology and Bachelor of Technology Management. NAIT also gave him an Honourary Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Before becoming a leader for the Enoch Cree Nation, he worked for the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta.
Time as Chief of Enoch Cree Nation
In 2015, Billy Morin was elected Chief of the Enoch Cree Nation (Maskêkosihk) when he was 28 years old. This made him the youngest Chief in the Nation's history. He focused on creating new economic opportunities and making relationships stronger. Before becoming Chief, he served for two years as a band councillor. He also chaired the school board, housing board, and economic development board. He was also a member of the River Cree board.
During his time as Chief, Billy Morin helped the Enoch Cree Nation achieve many things:
- He worked to bring back the Cree language and culture.
- He promoted Indigenous tourism, which helps people learn about Indigenous ways of life.
- He helped bring better internet service to rural areas.
- He oversaw the building of a new primary school for children.
- He started Edmonton’s first urban reserve. An urban reserve is land within a city that is set aside for a First Nation.
- He helped secure a major investment for the $1.5 billion Cascade natural gas power plant. This was the first big investment through the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation.
- He planned for an Indigenous birthing and surgical centre.
- He helped bring children's services back under the control of the community through the Maskêkosak Newowacistwan Nâtamâkêwin Society.
- He signed an agreement with the City of Edmonton to work together more closely.
Time as Grand Chief of Treaty Six First Nations
In 2020, Billy Morin was chosen by 16 other Chiefs to be the Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations. He served for one year in this important role. He took over from Dr. Wilton Littlechild, a lawyer and former commissioner on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
As Grand Chief, he led the Treaty Six Chiefs' response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also spoke out for:
- More affordable housing for Indigenous communities.
- Healthcare services controlled by Indigenous people.
- Developing natural resources in a way that helps the environment and communities.
- Building stronger connections with private businesses to create more jobs for Indigenous people.
Morin also began working with the Government of Alberta to simplify the Alberta Indian Tax Exemption (AITE) card system. He also signed the Alberta Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Protocol Agreement with the Government of Alberta.
Other Leadership Roles
Billy Morin has also served on several regional boards. These include Explore Edmonton, the First Nation Capital Investment Partnership, the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub, and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
