Chakastaypasin First Nation facts for kids
| People | Cree |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty 6 |
| Headquarters | James Smith Cree Nation |
| Province | Saskatchewan |
| Land | |
| Reserve(s) |
Chakastaypasin 98
|
| Population (2021) | |
| On reserve | 0 |
| Total population | Disputed |
| Government | |
| Chief | Calvin Sanderson |
| Website | |
| jamessmithcreenation.com | |
The Chakastaypasin First Nation (sometimes spelled Chakastapaysin or Chacastapasen) is a group of First Nations people. They live in central Saskatchewan, Canada. This group is partly recognized by the government.
Contents
A Look at Their History
What Happened to Their Land?
In 1876, Chief Chakastaypasin and four other leaders signed an important agreement called Treaty 6. They signed it at a place called Fort Carlton. By signing, they officially shared their traditional lands with the British Crown. This was a common way for Indigenous groups and the government to make agreements.
In the late 1880s, the Chakastaypasin people were living near the Fort de la Corne area.
Why Did the Government Say They Were Gone?
In 1898, the government department in charge of Indigenous affairs said something surprising. They claimed that all members of the Chakastaypasin group had left their special land, called an Indian reserve. They also said that all the members had joined other First Nations groups.
Because of this claim, the government decided that the Chakastaypasin First Nation no longer existed. They then sold the Chakastaypasin reserve land to other people.
Fighting for Recognition
Even though the government said the Chakastaypasin group was gone, their families remembered their history. Many of their descendants (children and grandchildren) had joined the nearby James Smith Cree Nation. These descendants stayed active and knew their true story.
In 1998, these members decided to take action. They started a formal claim against the Government of Canada. They argued that the government's actions in 1898 were against the law.
In May 1999, a group called the Indian Claims Commission looked into their claim. The Government of Canada has not disagreed with their findings.
Becoming a Nation Again
In the year 2000, all the members of the James Smith Cree Nation held a special vote. They voted to bring back the Chakastaypasin First Nation and another group called the Peter Chapman First Nation. The vote passed, which was a big step!
Now, the James Smith Cree Nation officially says that the government's decision in 1898 was wrong. Today, the descendants of Chakastaypasin choose their own Chief and Council. However, the Canadian federal government does not yet officially recognize them as a separate First Nation.
