History of Sweetgrass First Nation
Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians but was killed about six months later. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. In 1882, Young Sweet Grass & seventeen followers joined Wah-wee-kah-oo-tah-mah-hote (Strikes him on the back), who had signed Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton on August 28, 1876. Wah-wee-kah-oo-tah-mah-hote was chief from 1876 to 1883: but he was deposed in 1884 and Young Sweet Grass became chief.
A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay & wood and maintained gardens & livestock.
Currently the band controls 20,712.50 hectares of land, the largest block of which is located 26 kms west of Battleford.
There are 2141 registered band members (as of December 31, 2023) and 852 people reside on-reserve.
HISTORICAL CHIEFS:
1876: Sweetgrass
1876 - 1883: Wah-wee-kah-oo-tah-mah-hote (Strike him on the Back)
1884 - 1886: Apseenes (Young Sweetgrass)
1920 - 1924: Harry Atcheynum (Son of Strike him on the back)
1925 - 1964: Sam Swimmer (Son of Yellow Mud) Last hereditary Chief
1956 - 1957: Andrew Swimmer
1957 - 1958: Ben Atcheynum
1958 - 1959: James Favel
1959 - 1960: Solomon Albert
1961 - 1962: John Weenie
1963 - 1964: Adam Paskemin
1965 - 1966: Ben Atcheynum
1967 - 1970: Joseph Weenie
1971 - 1972: Ben Atcheynum
1972 - 1973: Stephen Pooyak
1973 - 1974: Ben Weenie
1974 - 1979: Stephen Pooyak
1979 - 1982: Gordon Albert
1983 - 1984: Roderick Atcheynum
1985 - 1988: Don Pooyak
1989 - 1999: Edward Wayne Standinghorn
2000 - 2003: Tommy Whitecalf
2003 - 2005: Rod Atcheynum Jr.
2005 - 2011: Edward Wayne Standinghorn
2011 - 2017: Lori Whitecalf
2017 - 2019: Laurence Paskemin
2019 - Present: Lori Whitecalf
More in this section:
Chief & Council
Meet the dedicated leaders of Sweetgrass First Nation - our Chief and Council. Committed to serving our community, they uphold our traditions and values while steering us towards a prosperous future. Learn about their roles, initiatives, and their unwaver
Finance & Administration
Discover how the Sweetgrass First Nation manages its Finance & Administration. We believe in complete transparency and effective governance. Our dedicated team ensures the smooth functioning of our community services, the sustainability of our resources,
Governance
Explore the unique system of Governance at Sweetgrass First Nation. We blend traditional Indigenous governance with contemporary practices, respecting our ancestral laws and customs while navigating the complexities of the modern world. Learn about our go
Community Development Initiative
Discover the Community Development Initiative of Sweetgrass First Nation. Committed to building a brighter future for our people, we undertake projects that empower our community, foster growth, and strengthen our bond. Learn about our current initiatives
Economic Development
Explore the Economic Development initiatives at Sweetgrass First Nation. We're fostering an environment of prosperity and growth, promoting Indigenous entrepreneurship, and embracing sustainable practices. Learn about our local businesses, economic strate
Annual Reports
Browse through the Annual Reports of Sweetgrass First Nation, showcasing our yearly progress, achievements, and milestones. Our commitment to transparency and accountability is reflected in these comprehensive reports. Get insights into our community's de
History
Journey through the rich and diverse history of Sweetgrass First Nation. From our earliest roots to the vibrant community we are today, discover the events, traditions, and stories that have shaped us. Our history is a testament to our resilience, our str