First Nations in Alberta

First Nations in Alberta
Moxy · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	First Nations in Alberta
Caption	Plains bison hunt depiction, Blackfoot Confederacy

First Nations in Alberta are the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited the area of present-day Alberta, including members of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, and Beaver (Dane-zaa) peoples, and who maintain distinct cultural, political, and legal identities across reserves, urban communities, and traditional territories. The communities engage with provincial institutions such as Alberta Human Rights Commission and federal institutions such as Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and the Department of Justice (Canada), while participating in regional bodies like the Assembly of First Nations and the Métis Nation of Alberta. Their relationships involve historic agreements including Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8, and intersect with legal milestones such as the Constitution Act, 1982, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and Supreme Court rulings including R v Sparrow and Delgamuukw v British Columbia.

Overview

Alberta’s Indigenous landscape includes nations associated with the Plains Indians, Woodland Cree, Athabaskan peoples, and Siouan peoples, represented by communities like the Siksika Nation, Tsuu T'ina Nation, Stoney Nakoda Nation, Enoch Cree Nation, Cold Lake First Nations, and Lubicon Lake Band. Key urban centres with significant Indigenous populations include Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and Fort McMurray, where organizations such as the Native Counselling Services of Alberta, Edmonton Native Healing Centre, Calgary Indigenous Friendship Centre, and Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth provide services. Cultural institutions like the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, Glenbow Museum, and Royal Alberta Museum hold collections and exhibits related to Indigenous art and history.

History

Pre-contact histories reference trade networks linked to the Saskatchewan River, North Saskatchewan River, Peace River, and migratory routes for American bison and seasonal resources near the Rocky Mountains and Boreal Forest. European contact involved explorers and traders such as Anthony Henday, Peter Fidler, David Thompson (explorer and mapmaker), and companies like the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company, leading to interactions around the fur trade and posts like Fort Edmonton and Fort McMurray. Colonial expansion prompted treaties and conflicts involving the Métis and leaders like Louis Riel and chiefs such as Crowfoot and Big Bear (aboriginal leader), and events including the North-West Rebellion. Legal and political developments encompassed the creation of the Northwest Territories (1870–1905), the formation of Alberta (provision) and the province of Alberta, and subsequent policy instruments like the Indian Act and residential school system involving institutions such as Gordon's Indian Residential School and Eagle Children's Home.

Peoples and Bands

Prominent nations and bands include the Siksika Nation, Kainai Nation (Blood Tribe), Piikani Nation, Stoney Nakoda Nation, Tsuut'ina Nation (Tsuu T'ina), Beaver (Dunne-za) First Nation, Cold Lake First Nations (Saulteaux/Crees), Whitefish Lake First Nation, Ermineskin Cree Nation, O'Chiese First Nation, Alexander First Nation (Sturgeon Lake Cree), Enoch Cree Nation 135, Mikisew Cree First Nation, Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Alexander 134, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Piapot First Nation, Papaschase First Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, Paul First Nation, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Montana First Nation, Samson Cree Nation, Eaglesham, Kapawe'no First Nation, Sawridge Band, and many others represented in federal registries and provincial directories.

Treaties and Land Rights

Treaty relationships include Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8, negotiated with Crown representatives including commissioners like Edmund J. A. Fitzgerald and documented during periods when politicians such as Sir Wilfrid Laurier shaped national policy. Land claims and legal disputes have involved the Lubicon Lake Band and landmark litigation informed by decisions such as R v Sparrow and Tsilhqot'in Nation v British Columbia principles applied through cases like Mikisew Cree First Nation v Canada (Minister of Canadian Heritage). Modern instruments include settlement agreements with bodies like the Specific Claims Tribunal and implementation processes influenced by Royal Proclamation of 1763 principles and treaties' interpretation in the Supreme Court of Canada.

Governance and Political Organizations

First Nations governance ranges from band councils under the Indian Act to nations participating in regional tribal councils like the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Northwest Treaty Tribes, Yellowhead Tribal Council, Yellow Quill First Nation, Sovereignty Movement groups, and provincial advocacy through the Alberta First Nations organizations. National representation occurs via the Assembly of First Nations, while land- and resource-focused bodies include the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry participants and regional corporations such as Fort McKay First Nation Development Corporation and Siksika Economic Development Corporation. Educational governance involves partnerships with institutions such as University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and Athabasca University in programs like Indigenous Studies and professional schools including University of Alberta Faculty of Law indigenous initiatives.

Culture and Languages

Cultural expressions include powwows, pipe ceremonies, and regalia associated with nations like the Blackfoot Confederacy, Cree Nation, Dene Tha’ First Nation, and Saulteaux. Languages spoken include Blackfoot language, Cree language, Dene languages, Nakota language, and Saulteaux (Ojibwe) language, with revitalization programs supported by institutions like the Canadian Language Museum and community initiatives such as Tsuut’ina Culture Department and Maskwacis Cultural Society. Artistic traditions are represented by artists and authors tied to institutions like the Indian Arts and Crafts Act discussions, biennials at the National Gallery of Canada, and writers connected to awards like the Governor General's Awards.

Contemporary Issues and Socioeconomic Conditions

Contemporary concerns involve resource development impacts from projects like the Alberta oil sands and disputes involving corporations such as Suncor Energy, Syncrude, and pipelines like Trans Mountain Pipeline and Enbridge, intersecting with environmental cases such as Pembina Institute reports and regulatory bodies like the Alberta Energy Regulator. Social and health matters include effects of residential school legacies addressed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and services linked to agencies such as Indigenous Services Canada, Alberta Health Services, and community organizations like the Treaty 6 Health Centre. Economic initiatives include partnerships with provincial programs and corporate arrangements such as those involving Fort McKay First Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation, while justice issues engage entities like the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and programs influenced by rulings such as R v Gladue.

Category:First Nations in Alberta