Ermineskin Cree Nation facts for kids
- ᓀᔮᐢᑵᔮᕽ
- neyâskweyâhk
| People | Cree |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty 6 |
| Headquarters | Maskwacis |
| Province | Alberta |
| Land | |
| Main reserve | Ermineskin 138 |
| Other reserve(s) | |
| Land area | 122.169 km2 |
| Population (2019) | |
| On reserve | 3290 |
| On other land | 11 |
| Off reserve | 1578 |
| Total population | 4879 |
| Government | |
| Chief | Randy Ermineskin |
The Ermineskin Cree Nation is a group of Cree Indigenous people in Alberta, Canada. They are also known as the Ermineskin Tribe. This First Nation signed an important agreement called Treaty 6. The Ermineskin Cree Nation is one of the four main groups that make up Maskwacis, which is Alberta's largest Indigenous community.
As of 2019, there are 4,879 registered members of the Ermineskin Cree Nation. About 3,290 of these members live on their special land called a reserve.
Contents
About the Ermineskin Cree Nation
The Ermineskin Cree Nation is a self-governing group of Indigenous people. They have their own leaders and make decisions for their community. Being a "First Nation" means they are one of the original peoples of Canada.
Where the Ermineskin Cree Live
The Ermineskin Cree Nation has two main areas of land, called reserves, near Maskwacis, Alberta. These lands cover about 22,512 hectares. A hectare is a unit of area, like two and a half football fields.
Historically, the Ermineskin Cree lived around Pigeon Lake and the Bear Hills. In their language, Cree, these areas were known as Maskwacheesihkare. Because of this, they were called the Bear Hills Cree.
The Ermineskin Cree Nation's traditional lands include these reserve areas. The main reserve was officially set up in 1885. This land is important because it has oil and gas, good land for farming, and access to Pigeon Lake. A train line, the Canadian Pacific Railway, also runs through the reserve.
Who Was Chief Ermineskin?
The Ermineskin Cree Nation is named after a very important leader named Ermineskin Kosikosowayano. He was also known as Baptiste Piche. He was the Chief of the Bear Hills Cree.
Ermineskin's father was Peechee, also known as Louis Piche. Peechee was a chief of the Rocky Mountain Cree. Ermineskin was also the younger brother of another famous chief, Bobtail, whose Cree name was Kiskiyo. Bobtail became Chief of the Bear Hills Cree after their father passed away.
Ermineskin Cree Nation Reserves
The Ermineskin Cree Nation manages two main land areas, known as Indian Reserves:
- Ermineskin Indian Reserve No. 138: This is the larger reserve, covering about 10,295.8 hectares.
- Pigeon Lake Indian Reserve No. 138A: This reserve is about 1,921 hectares.
The Pigeon Lake Indian Reserve No. 138A is shared. This means that three other First Nations governments also use and manage parts of this land. These are the Samson First Nation, the Louis Bull First Nation, and the Montana First Nation.
Notable People
- Willie Littlechild: A well-known member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation.
