Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation

History

The name of this reserve originated from its first chief who was born about 1816 on the vast prairie region that was home to his people. He was named Ahtahkakoop, which in Cree means "Starblanket". He was a Head Chief of the Plains Cree, and presided over the Wāskahikaniwiyiniwak (House Cree) people of northern Saskatchewan. The plain buffalos were once the most important resource to Ahtahkakoop and his people. By 1860s, with the arrival of European settlers the buffalo disappeared rapidly. The chief understood that the ways of living that his band was used to needed to change in order to get through the crisis. To help his people transit from hunter and warrior to farmer a reservation is needed. In 1874 the chief invited Anglican missionary John Hines to settle with his people near Sandy Lake. On August 23, 1876, Chief Ahtahkakoop signed Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton, giving up their vast hunting territory in exchange for a 67-square-mile reserve and $5 a year "per head". By the time of treaty signing; Ahtahkakoop and his people had strong kinship ties with the Mistawasis, Flying Dust, Witchekan Lake, and Pelican Lake communities which led to a high population and collective economy surrounding Green Lake. The reserve was surveyed in the summer and fall of 1878, but when the survey was completed the reserve was neither in the location nor of the size that had been advised to the surveyors. Chief Ahtahkakoop died on December 4, 1896, and Kamiyoastotin became chief. The land at Sandy Lake was fertile, and though the band suffered many hardships and setbacks, progress was made. The 1929 fall in market prices, followed by prolonged drought, forced people off reserve as they sought employment clearing land and helping on farms. The first church was built in 1874, and Reverend Hines started the first school in 1876. The band's infrastructure includes a school, workshop, warehouse, police station, RCMP residences, fire hall, health clinic, band hall, arena, gymnasium, daycare, the Lonesome Pine Convenience Store, the Indian Child and Family Services Agency, and the Cree Nations Treatment Centre.

The Chief and Headmen who represented the Sandy Lake Indian Band at the signing of Treaty 6 in Fort Carlton were:

1. Chief Ah-tuh-uk-koop (Star Blanket)
2. Sah-Sah-Koo-Moos (Adherer)
3. Benjamin, also known as Waskitoy (Thigh)
4. Mee-Now-Ah-Chahk-Way (Good Spirit)
5. Kee-Sik-Ow-Asis (Sky Child)

Geography and environment

Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation's reserve is registered as Ahtahkakoop Indian Reserve NO. 104. It is located at 72 km north-west of Prince Albert, taking up 17347.3 ha.{{Cite web |author=((Strategic Research and Statistics Directorate)) |date=2008-11-14 |url=https://fnp-ppn.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/FNGeography.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=406&lang=eng |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada |publisher=Government of Canada |title=Geography — Ahtahkakoop

Government

First Nations Elections Act is the election system used by Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. Average length of time served in role of chief and council members is approximately 8 years. Every year two General Band Meetings will be held. Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation's General Assessment Score (2015-2016) is 10.3. Compared with 2012 the score decreased by 4.5. The percentage of eligible voters among the nation is 44.8% in 2017. Following is the table of current officials.

Current officials

The current government priorities are as follows:

• Improve communication between leadership and membership.
• Develop a Treaty 6 position paper.
• Establish bylaws and develop policies that govern community operations.
• Develop policies to enhance community wellbeing.
• Create a data management system.

First Nations Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA):

List of Chiefs

1. Chief Ahtahkakoop (1876-1896)
2. Chief Kamiyoastotin [Basil Starblanket] (1896-1913)
3. Chief Allan Ahenakew (1913-1953, 1955-1958)
4. Chief Lance Ahenakew (1953-1955, 1972-1974)
5. Chief Paul Ahenakew (1958-1972, 1974-1979)
6. Chief Fred Sasakamoose (1980-1983)
7. Chief Barry Ahenakew (1983-1990, 1992-2005)
8. Chief Clifford Ahenakew (1990-1992)
9. Chief Larry Ahenakew (2005-present)

Demographics

In 2016 there are about 2,706 registered and 1,440 on-reserve registered population in Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. Around 48.9% people live on the reserve. From 2010 to 2016 the on-reserve average annual population growth rate is 2.0%. On reserve the male-female ratio is about 1 to 1. Percentage for age group under 15 (27.2%), between 15 and 24 (19.9%), 25 to 64 (48,0%) and above 65 (5.0%). The average age for the registered population is 29.2. The population density is 11.4 persons per km^2.

The following table is for the registered population in April 2022.

Language

In 2016 there are about 1,475 people who know certain language. Around 380 people know how to speak Indigenous language and around 1,470 people know English. 20.0% of the population learned Indigenous languages first. 20.0% of the population speak indigenous language at home. About 25.8% of the people can speak and understand the Cree language.

Traditional culture

Ahtahkakoop's culture is deeply rooted in Nêhiyaw (Plains Cree) traditions, language, spirituality, and values. Contemporary efforts dating to the turn of century has shown community proactivity in securing and preserving traditional ways of life native to the Fort People (Wāskahikaniwiyiniwak) of Northern Saskatchewan. As Wāskahikaniwiyiniwak (House Cree), the people of Ahtahkakoop differed from their southern Plains Cree relatives of the open prairies: Ahtahkakoop's traditional territories stretched the northern forests of Saskatchewan neighbouring the Woodland Cree, and their residence in the dense woodlands made for their ceremonies, practices, and ways of life hidden from observance by the increasing non-Indigenous population in the province. In strengthening their culture, the community of Ahtahkakoop promotes the ceremonies of Round Dances, Sun Dances (or Thirst Dances), Sweat Lodges, Memorial Feasts, Powwows, and among other ceremonies as celebrated events honoring the sacred traditions of their Cree identity. The aforementioned ceremonies are a constant presence at the community; and the emphasis on elder's teachings reaffirm the passing of knowledge and traditions to the younger generation.

The establishment of cultural workshops and land-based learning curriculums are key factors in promoting and preserving the traditions of the Cree community.

Education

The education authority of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation is the Treaty 6 Education Council. About 734 students are enrolled in elementary and secondary school, and about 159 post-secondary students are enrolled. 41.3% aboriginal identity population aged 15 years and over received a high school diploma or equivalent. While 24.9% of the aboriginal identity population received a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 99% of the teacher are from First Nation, and 80% of them have been teaching on-reserve for at least 5 years. High school graduation rate is near 45%. The government is working to ensure Treaty teachings are delivered in all classrooms from Kindergarten to Grade 12. More financial funding will be attributed to education. Formal education, lifelong learning, and employment development are stressed to assist the people in meeting their maximum potential. The education database is under construction.

Notable people

• Chief Ahtahkakoop, a leading Chief of the Saskatchewan Plains Cree.
• Edward Ahenakew, Anglican clergyman and author, known for collecting and transcribing cultural stories and tales. As well as advocating for better education for Indigenous people.
• Fred Sasakamoose, NHL player, first Treaty Indigenous player, who advocated for Indigenous athletes across North America.{{Cite encyclopedia|title=Fred Sasakamoose |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/fred-sasakamoose |access-date=2022-07-04| encyclopedia= The Canadian Encyclopedia
• Freda Ahenakew, author, considered a leader in cultural and linguistic preservation of Indigenous language and heritage.{{Cite encyclopedia|title=Freda Ahenakew
• David Ahenakew, politician, and former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
• Deborah Chatsis, author.

References

References

1. "First Nation Detail". Government of Canada.
2. "Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, First Nations profile". Government of Canada.
3. (2014-01-30). "Ahtahkakoop 104 Indian Reserve".
4. (2014-01-29). "Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation".
5. Christian Thompson. "Ahtahkakoop First Nation". University of Saskatchewan.
6. "history".
7. "Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation".
8. Christensen, Deanna. (2000). "Ahtahkakoop : the epic account of a Plains Cree Head Chief, his people, and their vision for survival, 1816-1896". Ahtahkakoop Pub.
9. "Land & Resources".
10. "Governance".
11. "First Nations Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA)". Government of Canada.
12. Statistics Canada. (2017-02-08). "Ahtahkakoop 104, Indian reserve [Census subdivision], Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan [Province]". 2016 Census.
13. "Demographics".
14. "Population Density (registered persons per km2)".
15. ((Strategic Research and Statistics Directorate)). (7 December 2021). "Language characteristics — Ahtahkakoop". Government of Canada.
16. "Education".
17. Buck, Ruth. (5 January 2016). "Edward Ahenakew".