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Jean Baptiste Gambler 183
Jean Baptiste Gambler Indian Reserve No. 183
A map of the province of Alberta showing 80 counties and 145 small Indian reserves. One is highlighted with a red circle.
Location in Alberta
First Nation Bigstone Cree
Treaty 8
Country Canada
Province Alberta
Municipal district Opportunity
Area
 • Total 198.7 ha (491.0 acre)
Population
 (2016)
 • Total 253

Jean Baptiste Gambler 183 is a special place in Alberta, Canada. It is an Indian reserve, which means it is land set aside for a First Nations community. This reserve is home to members of the Bigstone Cree Nation. In 2016, about 253 people lived here in 68 homes. It is located within a larger area called the Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17.

What is an Indian Reserve?

An Indian reserve is a piece of land in Canada that is legally owned by the King of Canada. However, it is held for the use and benefit of a specific First Nations group. These lands were often created through agreements called treaties between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government.

How Reserves Were Formed

Long ago, First Nations people lived across Canada. As settlers arrived, the government made agreements, or treaties, with many Indigenous groups. These treaties often involved First Nations sharing their traditional lands. In return, the government promised to set aside certain areas for them to live on. These areas became what we now call Indian reserves.

Who Manages the Land?

Even though the King of Canada owns the land, the First Nation community living on the reserve manages it. This means the Bigstone Cree Nation makes decisions about how their land is used. They decide on things like housing, services, and community development.

The Bigstone Cree Nation

The Bigstone Cree Nation is an Indigenous group belonging to the larger Cree family. The Cree are one of the largest First Nations groups in Canada. The Bigstone Cree Nation has several reserves, and Jean Baptiste Gambler 183 is one of them.

Their History and Culture

The Bigstone Cree people have a rich history and culture. They have lived in the northern Alberta region for a very long time. Their traditions, language (Cree), and way of life are important parts of their identity. They work to preserve and share their heritage with younger generations.

Location and Community

Jean Baptiste Gambler 183 is located in northern Alberta. It is part of the Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17. This area is known for its natural beauty, including forests and lakes.

Population and Homes

According to the 2016 Canadian Census, 253 people lived on the Jean Baptiste Gambler 183 reserve. They lived in 68 private homes. The reserve had a total of 86 homes, meaning some were not occupied at the time of the census.

Treaty 8 and Its Importance

The Bigstone Cree Nation is a signatory to Treaty 8. This is one of the historic treaties signed in Canada.

What is Treaty 8?

Treaty 8 was signed in 1899 and 1900. It is an agreement between the Crown (the Canadian government) and many First Nations in northern Alberta, northeastern British Columbia, northwestern Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. The treaty covered a huge area of land.

Promises Made in Treaty 8

In exchange for sharing their traditional lands, the First Nations involved in Treaty 8 were promised certain rights and benefits. These included:

  • Land for reserves
  • Hunting, fishing, and trapping rights
  • Money payments
  • Education
  • Other support

Treaty 8 is still very important today. It guides the relationship between the Canadian government and the First Nations who signed it, including the Bigstone Cree Nation.

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