Saddle Lake Cree Nation facts for kids

The Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Cree: ᐅᓂᐦᒋᑭᐢᑿᐱᐏᓂᕽ, onihcikiskwapiwinihk) is a community of First Nations people. They are part of the Plains Cree group. You can find them in central Alberta, Canada, in an area called the "Beaver Hills."

The Saddle Lake Cree Nation signed an important agreement called Treaty 6. Their traditional language is Plains Cree.

This Nation has a special way of governing. They have two separate councils and chiefs. These groups look after their two main reserves: Saddle Lake Cree Nation and the Whitefish Lake First Nation. Even though they have two groups, the Canadian government sees them as one Nation.

In June 2013, the Nation had about 9,934 people. About 6,148 of these people lived on their own reserves. This makes Saddle Lake the second largest First Nation in Alberta.

A Look at Their History

Before Treaty 6 Was Signed

Around 1876, the Amiskwacīwiyiniwak people, who were a group of Cree and Assiniboine communities, made a treaty with Canada. This was Treaty 6.

Chief Onchaminahos ("Little Hunter") and Chief Pakân ("Nut") represented the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. They signed the treaty at Fort Pitt. Chief Pakan and another leader named Big Bear wanted one very large reserve for all the Cree people. This way, they could hunt and farm together.

The government did not agree to this idea. So, Chief Pakan's and Big Bear's groups did not settle on reserves right away. Chief Pakan went to Regina in 1884 to talk more about it.

When Bands Joined Together

In 1902, four historical Cree communities joined to form the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. These four groups were:

• Onchaminahos' Band, led by Chief Onchaminahos ("Little Hunter");
• Seenum's Band, led by Chief Pakân ("Nut");
• Blue Quill's Band, led by Chief Blue Quill;
• Wasatnow's Band, led by Chief Muskegwatic ("Bear Ears").

The joining process was fully completed in 1953. This is when the records of the Little Hunter's, James Seenum's, and Blue Quill's Bands were officially combined.

Changes to Voting Rules

Before 1985, First Nations women who married men who were not Indigenous could lose their "Registered Indian" status. This meant they lost some rights under the Indian Act.

After a new law called Bill C-31 was passed in 1985, women no longer lost their status for marrying non-Indigenous men. However, the Saddle Lake and Whitefish Lake councils still stopped some of these women from voting in band elections.

This rule was challenged in court. In February 2023, a court ruled that the Whitefish Lake council could not stop these women from voting.

Their Reserves

The Saddle Lake Cree Nation manages three reserves. One of these reserves is shared with five other First Nations.

• Blue Quills (about 96.20 hectares). This reserve was once called "Blue Quill Indian Reserve 127." It is shared with five other groups.
• Saddle Lake 125 (about 25,780.60 hectares). This reserve includes the community of Saddle Lake, Alberta.
• Whitefish Lake 128 (about 4,542.70 hectares). This reserve is also known as "Whitefish Lake Indian Reserve 128."

Long ago, Chief Muskegwatic had also set aside the Washatanow (or Hollow Hill Creek) Indian Reserve 126. This reserve was along the north side of the North Saskatchewan River. However, in 1896, this land was traded for an equal area next to Saddle Lake Indian Reserve 125. Today, this new area is called the "Cache Lake Addition."

The Blue Quill Indian Reserve 127 was originally for the Blue Quill's Band. But in 1896, a boarding school moved there. The Blue Quill's Band then moved to the Saddle Lake Indian Reserve. In 1931, Blue Quill Indian Reserve 127 became a shared reserve when the boarding school moved again.

Saddle Lake Indian Reserve 125 is next to Smoky Lake County, the County of St. Paul No. 19, and County of Two Hills No. 21.

How They Are Governed

The Saddle Lake Cree Nation chooses its leaders using a special Custom Electoral System. They have two groups of elected officials.

Saddle Lake Cree Nation Leaders

The Saddle Lake Cree Nation, on the Saddle Lake Indian Reserve, has elected Chief Eric Shirt. Their councillors are John Large, Eddy Makokis, Leonard Jackson, Glen Jason Whiskeyjack, James Steinhauer, Pamela Quinn, Cherrilene Steinhauer, and Darcy McGilvery.

Whitefish Lake First Nation Leaders

The Whitefish Lake First Nation, on the Whitefish Lake Indian Reserve, also has elected leaders. They have elected Chief Tom Houle. Their councillors are Stan Houle, Greg Sparklingeyes, and Kevin Halfe.

Well-Known People from the Nation

• James Makokis: A doctor who also specializes in traditional medicine and healthcare for Indigenous people.
• Doreen Spence: A nurse and someone who works to protect human rights.
• Northern Cree: A famous group that performs powwow and round dance music.
• Lana Whiskeyjack: A professor and artist who works for women's rights and Indigenous issues.
• Gwen Bridge: An environmental scientist who helps protect nature.
• Ralph Steinhauer: The tenth lieutenant governor of Alberta.
• Carl Quinn: A singer and songwriter.