Little Pine First Nation facts for kids

The Little Pine First Nation (Cree: ᒥᓇᐦᐃᑯᓯᕽ minahikosihk) is a Plains Cree First Nation community located in Saskatchewan, Canada. Their traditional lands are found near the Battle River and a special place called Bluehill, which is very important to their people. The Little Pine First Nation has several reserves, including Little Pine 116, Min-a-he-quo-sis 116A, and Min-a-he-quo-sis 116C.

People and Population

As of 2022, the Little Pine First Nation has about 2,200 registered members. Around 979 people live on the Little Pine reserve itself. Another 88 live on other reserves, and about 1,133 live off reserve.

The total land area of their reserves, settlements, and villages is over 64,000 acres. This is a large area for their community.

Many people in the Little Pine Reserve speak Indigenous languages. In 2016, over half of the population said they knew an Indigenous language. This shows the importance of their traditional languages.

History of the Little Pine First Nation

Early Leaders and Treaties

In the 1870s, a powerful Plains Cree chief named Mistahimaskwa (also known as Big Bear) wanted all Cree bands to unite. He led a large group of about 2,000 people. Big Bear believed that Indigenous groups should work together against new settlers.

He was concerned about Treaty 6, an agreement with the Canadian government. He felt it would take away his people's freedom. Even though he disagreed, Big Bear eventually signed the treaty in 1882. He did this to get food and supplies for his people, who were struggling.

Another important leader was Minahikosis, or "Little Pine." He was also a Cree chief and was known for being strong like Big Bear. Little Pine hoped for a united Indigenous state. However, his people were starving, so he also signed Treaty 6.

Another Cree chief, Pitikwahanapiwiyin (Poundmaker), also signed Treaty 6 in 1876. He accepted a reserve near Battleford in 1879.

Treaty 6 covered a huge area of land, about 315,000 square miles. While the First Nations gained some promises, like a "medicine chest" and help during famine, they gave up a lot of land. The Little Pine First Nation was one of the groups that had to move because of this treaty.

Moving to New Lands

Little Pine First Nation: Location

Chief Minahikosis, or Little Pine, signed an agreement to Treaty 6 around 1879. His people then moved from the Cypress Hills area to the Bluehill region along the Battle River.

From 1883 to 1884, Little Pine and another chief, Lucky Man, camped near Poundmaker's reserve. These chiefs wanted their reserves to be next to each other, but the government said no.

Challenges and Changes

The government did not provide much help for the First Nations to adjust to life on the reserves. In 1877, when buffalo were migrating, the government ignored requests for hunting equipment. This led to old rivalries among different Indigenous groups.

In 1880, Big Bear and Little Pine traveled south to hunt buffalo. They met with Louis Riel, a Métis leader. Riel helped them get permission to hunt on American Indigenous reservations. However, this alliance broke when Canadian groups raided horses from American groups. The U.S. government then restricted border crossings.

Later, tensions grew, and Poundmaker and Little Pine's people left their reserves. They went to Battleford, where supplies were given out. Settlers became scared and fled into a fort. The Cree then took supplies from abandoned houses and stores. Chief Little Pine died shortly after these events in 1885.

After Little Pine's death, his people were scattered. In 1887, the government surveyed a reserve for the remaining members of the Little Pine and Lucky Man bands. However, the land they received was not what they were promised in the treaty. The Little Pine First Nation faced many challenges for a long time because of this.

By 1997, the Little Pine First Nation was able to buy more land and start new economic projects. Today, they continue to work on their right to self-government through their own Government Act. This act helps them manage their lands, resources, and elections.

Modern Developments and Projects

The Little Pine First Nation is actively developing its community. They have several projects, including:

• The Little Pine First Nation Racetrack
• The Little Pine First Nation Cattle Venture
• A gas and convenience store

They also have important community facilities:

• The Little Pine Health Clinic and Medical Taxis
• The Elders’ Hall
• The Chief Little Pine School
• A band office
• A Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment with officers living on the reserve
• The Little Pine Daycare

How the Community is Governed

The Little Pine First Nation is led by a Chief and a council. The current Chief, elected in 2021, is Donald Ironchild. The council members are Russell Bearsears, Matthew Frank, Lawrence Kennedy, Roland Pete, and Lisa Sapp.

The community uses its own custom election system to choose its Chief and councilors. These leaders serve for four-year terms. The current term is from 2021 to 2025.

Education for the Future

Chief Little Pine School

The Chief Little Pine School is a school for students from kindergarten to grade 12. It is located in Paynton, Saskatchewan. Besides regular classes, the school offers extra services like pre-kindergarten care and counseling. It also uses educational software like Mathletics.

The school's goal is to help students learn and grow. It also aims to help them "embrace their culture and traditional values."

Treaty Six Education Council

The Little Pine First Nation is part of the Treaty Six Education Council. This organization helps provide education services to its partner First Nations. Its main office is in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, in the heart of Treaty 6 territory.

The council supports eleven First Nations communities and over 3,000 students. Its mission is to improve education systems at the First Nation level. Their vision is to build cultural pride through academic success and encourage lifelong learning.

The Chief of each member Nation serves as a director for the council. Each Nation also appoints a Trustee to represent their community on the board. For Little Pine, the Trustee is Adele Bear.

See also

• First Nations in Saskatchewan
• Division No. 13, Saskatchewan