Yellow Quill First Nation facts for kids

The Yellow Quill First Nation is a group of Indigenous people in Saskatchewan, Canada. They are part of the Saulteaux people, who are one of the many First Nations in Canada. Their main community is located about 20 kilometers northwest of Kelvington.

The Yellow Quill First Nation signed an important agreement called Treaty No. 4 on August 24, 1876. Their leader, Chief Yellow-quill, signed it. In October 2007, there were 2,522 registered members of the First Nation. About 800 members lived on their reserve, and over 1,600 lived off-reserve. The First Nation is also a part of the Saskatoon Tribal Council. They have offices in Saskatoon.

History of the Yellow Quill First Nation

The Yellow Quill First Nation was once known as the Nut Lake Band of Saulteaux. Before that, they were part of the Yellow-quill Saulteaux Band. This band was named after Chief Ošāwaškokwanēpi.

His name meant "Green/Blue-quill." However, because of how sounds changed in the Saulteaux language, his name was later misunderstood as "Yellow-quill." The word for "yellow" is osāw-, and "green/blue" is ošāwaško-.

After Chief Ošāwaškokwanēpi passed away, the band split into three groups. The group that settled around Nut Lake became the Nut Lake Band of Saulteaux. They lived on the Nut Lake Indian Reserve.

In 1989, the band changed its name to "Yellowquill" (one word). This was done to honor their founding chief. However, when their post office opened in 1993, it was named "Yellow Quill" (two words).

Lands and Reserves

The Yellow Quill First Nation has set aside four special areas of land called reserves.

• Yellowquill Indian Reserve 90 (which used to be called Nut Lake Indian Reserve 90) is their main reserve. It covers about 5,858.8 hectares (14,477 acres). The community of Yellow Quill is located here.
• Yellow Quill Indian Reserve 90-8 is a smaller reserve, about 64.8 hectares (160 acres) in size.
• Yellow Quill Indian Reserve 90-18 covers about 195 hectares (482 acres).
• Treaty Four Reserve Grounds 77 is a special reserve of about 37.1 hectares (92 acres). It is shared with 32 other First Nations.

The First Nation has also gained new lands, called Treaty Land Entitlement lands. These new lands add up to about 17,000 acres (68.8 square kilometers).

How the First Nation is Governed

The Yellow Quill First Nation is led by an elected tribal council. This council includes a chief and seven councillors. They are elected for a three-year term.

For example, the council that ended on November 26, 2020, included Chief John Machiskinic. The councillors were Joseph Crowe, Bernard Kishayinew, Agnes Whitehead, Myron Neapetung, Tyrone Peeace, Dean Severight, and Pauline Whitehead.

Community Services

The Yellow Quill First Nation provides many services for its members. These services are located on their main reserve.

• Yellow Quill Health Centre: This center helps with health and wellness.
• Nawigizigweyas School: This school teaches students from kindergarten to grade 12.
• Yellow Quill Daycare: This provides care for young children.
• Robert Neapetung Memorial Water Treatment Plant: This plant makes sure the community has clean drinking water.
• Yellow Quill Store: This is a local store for the community.
• Band Office: This is where the First Nation's government and administration work.