Driftpile First Nation
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People | Cree |
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Treaty | Treaty 8 |
Headquarters | Driftpile |
Province | Alberta |
Land[1] | |
Main reserve | Drift Pile River 150 |
Land area | 63.548 km2 |
Population (2019)[1] | |
On reserve | 963 |
On other land | 51 |
Off reserve | 1875 |
Total population | 2889 |
Government[1] | |
Chief | Dwayne Laboucan |
Council size | 9 |
Website | |
dpcn.ca |
The Driftpile Cree Nation (or the Driftpile First Nation) (Cree: ᒪᐦᑕᐦᑕᑲᐤ ᓯᐱᕀᐩ, mihtatakaw sîpîy) is a Treaty 8[2] First Nation with a reserve, Drift Pile River 150, located on the southern shore of the Lesser Slave Lake on Alberta Highway 2 in Northern Alberta. The band has approximately 1200 members.[3]
History
[edit]Pre-treaty era (Before 1899)
[edit]- The community was located opposite Lakeshore.
- The Lac St Anne Pilgrimage commenced in 1889.
- The Catholic Church began its influence in the territory.
- Grouard was under consideration as the potential capital city.
- The reserve boundaries were irregular, with rumors suggesting that Chief Kinosayo designed them while intoxicated.
1899–1950
[edit]- Chief Kinosayo ratified Treaty 8 in 1899.
- Originally named Band 150, it was later restructured into Bands 150A, 150B, and 150C.
- The exact time of Sawridge's separation remains unclear.
- Grandfather George Okimaw educated the Driftpile community on agricultural practices.
- Women played crucial roles, from water and waste management to tanning hides, producing clothing, and childcare.
- Many families had expansive gardens, a practice that continues.
- Traditional hide tanning methods were prevalent.
- To enlist in the military or to gain certain benefits, Indigenous adults were forced to renounce their tribal status.
- Indian agents were deemed deceptive, although no specific incidents are remembered.
- Mandatory attendance began at several Residential Schools in 1921:
- St. Bruno's in Joussard (1913–1969), segregated with priest training.
- St. Bernard's in Grouard (1894–1957).
- St. Martin's/St. Theresa in Desmarais and St. John's in Wabasca (both 1902–1973).
- The Cree language began its decline due to the influence of Residential Schools.
- Families would pay a quarter for transportation (horse and wagon) to bring their children home.
- Around 1905, Grouard was reconsidered as the potential capital of Alberta.
- The community witnessed the construction of paved roads in the 1960s.
- Driftpile was recognized as a nation in 1904, leading to an expansion of the reserve.
1951–2000
[edit]- George Cunningham advocated for prioritizing children's needs.
- The Lac St Anne pilgrimage, initiated by Peter, began around 1996.
- Local talents included Stan Isadore, a World Champion Fancy Dancer (circa 1980) and Petey Chalifoux, a Champion Hoop Dancer (2001).
- The community sported teams like the Swingers and Warriors ball teams.
- Infrastructure improvements included a fire hall (1988–1990) and a new school, Mitatikaw Sipiy School, in 1996.
- The area faced several challenges, including floods in 1986 and 1996. Post the 1996 flood, a dike system was installed.
- Environmental concerns arose with the establishment of the Swan Hills Treatment Facility in the 1990s and the Creosote Ties Plant, linked to cancer incidents.
- The iconic Blue Bridge, constructed by the Dominion Bridge Company in 1954, is now a heritage site.
- The community saw advances in living standards, with the entire community gaining access to indoor plumbing by 1997.
- The Driftpile emblem underwent revision in the early 1990s.
- The era witnessed the 1960s scoop and the initiation of the Traditional Pow Wow in 1986 by Rosemary Beaver.
2001–2021
[edit]- Kinosayo's artworks were recreated, narrating the story of a medallion's acquisition by the Sawridge band.
- Peter and Clifford Freeman commenced their pilgrimage to Lac St Anne on horseback in 2001.
- The Lakeshore Regional Police has been operational since 2010.
- In 2010, an advisory warned against pregnant women consuming fish from the lake due to mercury contamination.
- The DCN Monument, featuring mosaic art, was built by Wayne Ashley in 2013. Ashley died in 2019.
- Rose Laboucan led as Chief from 2008–2018, remembered for her powerful advocacy and eloquence.
- Medical facilities improved with the Maggie Willier Wellness Centre in 1999.
- Drinking water advisories were issued between 2011 and 2013, leading to a class-action lawsuit.
- The Cows and Plows/Agricultural Benefits were distributed in 2020.
- The community acknowledged successful individuals like Dale Giroux, Billy Ray Belcourt, Rose Laboucan, Pauline Giroux, and Justin Gerard Pahara.
- In 2022, Michael Auger dedicated a monument to the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) initiative, and the community backed the Red Dress Initiative.
- Driftpile garnered a nomination for a Business Leadership Award in 2019.
2022–2023
[edit]- Pope Francis visited Mascwacis in 2022, rendering an official apology with a mass at Commonwealth. DCN elders were in attendance.
- Driftpile received accolades for its Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- Chief Kinosayo Awasak Mikwap was instituted in 2023, marking a milestone for Child and Family Services.
- Notable developments included the construction of a Healing Lodge, the opening of the Travel Centre/Diner 450, and the community's contemplation of repurposing the church.
- Theresa Campio ran another marathon in 2023, adorned in a ribbon skirt, and was also honored with the Queen's Jubilee award.
- Land acquisition continued with a private 1/4 section purchased in 2004, which the community hopes to integrate into the reserve.
Future prospects
[edit]- The DCN has laid out a Strategic Development Plan for 2023–2038.
- A significant event is slated for June 23–25, where unidentified graves from the Joussard IRS will be recognized.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Driftpile_Cree_Nation_beaded_emblem.jpg/220px-Driftpile_Cree_Nation_beaded_emblem.jpg)
References
[edit]- ^ "First Nation Detail". Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Government of Canada. 14 November 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
- ^ "Treaty 8 maps". Retrieved 2022-03-04.
- ^ "Driftpile Cree Nation - Home". Archived from the original on 2012-06-21. Retrieved 2012-06-14.