Driftpile Cree Nation History

Pre-Treaty Era (Before 1899)

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 passed away 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

• 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

• 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.