Driftpile First Nation

Driftpile Cree Nation
Band No. 450
ᒪᐦᑕᐦᑕᑲᐤ ᓯᐱᕀ
mihtatakaw sîpîy

People	Cree
Treaty	Treaty 8
Headquarters	Driftpile
Province	Alberta
Land
Main reserve	Drift Pile River 150
Land area	63.548 km2
Population (2019)
On reserve	963
On other land	51
Off reserve	1875
Total population	2889
Government
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 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.

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 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

• 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.

Beaded emblem of the Driftpile Nation