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Saskatchewan First Nations
First Nations peoples have occupied the area of Saskatchewan for approximately 11,000 years. They were traditionally hunter-gatherers with strong spiritual ties to the land and their natural environment.The name “Saskatchewan” is derived from the Cree word “Kisiskatchewani Sipi” meaning “swiftly flowing river”.
The inhabitants of the southern plains of Saskatchewan relied almost solely on the buffalo for their basic survival elements of food, shelter, clothing and tools. Tribes in the northern parkland regions depended on fishing and hunting of moose, elk and caribou. Wild rice, turnips, onions, and berries such as saskatoons, blueberries, raspberries and chokecherries were readily available and grew wild across the province.
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The arrival of the European settlers and the “fur-trade” era of 1670-1905 brought marked and significant changes to the First Nations way of life, including the creation of a new blood line known as “Métis”, descendants of French fur traders and First Nations women.
Presently, Saskatchewan is home to 70 First Nations, 62 of which are affiliated to one of the eight governing Tribal Councils. (see concluding alphabetical listing)
The formal self-ascribed names of Saskatchewan First Nations are:
| Nehiyawak | Plains Cree |
| Nahkawininiwak | Saulteaux |
| Nakota | Assiniboine |
| Dakota and Lakota | Sioux |
| Denesuline | Dene/Chipewyan |
| Métis | French/Cree |
The definitive linguistic families of Saskatchewan First Nation peoples are:
| Algonkian | Cree, Anishinabe (Saulteaux and Plains Ojibway) |
| Siouan | Nakota (Assinboine), Dakota, Lakota |
| Athapaskan | Dene |
| Michif | Métis |
Treaty numbers 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 cover the province of Saskatchewan, authenticated between the timeline of 1871 to 1906.
Artistic and Spiritual History
Nearly all objects used by Saskatchewan First Nations were decorated in some form, the amount and type of decoration depicted the value of the item. Adornments such as amulets and feathers were recognized as symbols of identity or achievements. They were also believed to offer spiritual strength and protection.
Their deep spiritual connection to earth and all living things were traditionally symbolized through the representation of animal totems, the buffalo, eagle and bear most often epitomized in the plains civilizations.
First Nations “rock art” has a rich history in Saskatchewan, dating back centuries. Petroglyphs and pictographs (rock carvings and paintings respectively), medicine wheels (circular ceremonial rock formations) and effigies (stone or wooden sculptures depicting animals or people) can all be researched in the province’s history.
Male members of First Nations routinely painted colorful scenes on buffalo hides, robes or tipis. Colors were produced from minerals such as iron ore, clay soils, berries, plant roots and charcoal. Depictions were generally that of war exploits, hunting triumphs or dream or vision images.
In the early 19th century, hide painting transgressed to “ledger art”, the art of painting on ledgers of paper, due to the near extinction of the buffalo that was the usual means of obtaining hides. This new form of art introduced new mediums and colors.
One male member from each tribe was responsible for the painting of “winter counts”, an annual account of the most significant happening to take place from the first snow to the first snow, representing one full year, shown by one drawing and accumulated year by year.
Women generally worked in communal groups and the making and raising of the tipi was one of their main responsibilities.
“Quillwork” was a sacred art form taught to select female band members and the exchange of completed works were vital in maintaining good relations with neighboring tribes. Quills were obtained by throwing a blanket over a porcupine, then picking out the needles the startled animal had released in the process. The quills were softened in water, then flattened and dyed different colors before being embroidered into items such as clothing, moccasins, bags and birch bark baskets. This unique art form is practiced in many present day First Nations cultures.
European influence would introduce glass beads and manufactured cloth to the mix. The traditional geometric and abstract First Nations portrayal of realistic events and figures would be infused with the European’s preferred floral designs to create a blending of the two forms, most prominently found in Cree and Saulteaux cultures.
Important social events, such as pow wows, births, deaths, a girl’s coming of age or a boy’s first hunt were all celebrated with traditional ceremonies including prayers, feasting, singing, dancing and story-telling. Significant and sacred dances, such as the Sun Dance, the Grass Dance and the Jingle Dance all held individual meaning and involved extensive preparation. Generally, elaborate and detailed costumes and adornments were showcased, appropriate to the dance or celebration at hand.
Contemporary Expression
First Nations artists in Saskatchewan cover a range of motifs.
Perhaps two of the most recognizable names to Saskatchewan residents since the 1960’s are Allen Sapp, a narrative style painter and Plain’s Cree from the Red Pheasant Nation, whose political, social and spiritual images have influenced various artists, and Buffy Sainte-Marie, born to Cree parents on the Piapot Reserve. Best known for her singing and musical successes, she continues to be a role model and advocate for First Nations musical achievements and education today.
Bob Boyer’s (deceased 2004), paintings depicted colonialism. Of Métis descent, he taught art and arts history through FSIN (Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations).
Edward Poitras, a Métis artist from Gordon’s First Nation, dealing in mixed-media sculptures was the first aboriginal artist to represent Canada in the 1995 “Venice Biennale”.
Mary Longman, born in Qu’Appelle, tells stories through sculpture. Sherry Farrell Racette, explores Métis history including traditional and women’s issues through multi-media creations often including quilting and beading.
Gordon Tootoosis, born and currently residing at Poundmaker First Nation is best known for his acclaimed acting abilities.
First Nations have presented live stage and theatre productions since the 1930’s. The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company founded by Donna Heimbecker and Kennetch Charlette in 1999 is located in Saskatoon, and is the first 110-seat aboriginal theatre facility in Canada.
Aboriginal media developed in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, with publications through newspapers, magazines, radio and television. SCN (Saskatchewan Communication Network) and APTN (Aboriginal People’s Television Network) both broadcast to an ever increasing First Nations community within the province.
Aboriginal writers, such as Maria Campbell, of Cree, French and Scottish descent, Beth Cuthard of Little Pine First Nation, and Louise Halfe, long time resident of Saskatoon, all paint their own stories of Saskatchewan First Nations History through passionately scripted words.
Wanuskewin Provincial Park, located NE of Saskatoon, is literally an interactive educational resource that has been helping to build a bridge between First Nations and non-First Nations of Saskatchewan since 1992. Public awareness and understanding of aboriginal cultural heritage is taught guided tours, including viewing of one the provinces’ best know medicine wheels, with an average of 14,000 school children visiting the site each year through educational programs. The First Nations University of Canada located in Regina teaches media skills through the Indian Communication Arts Program. The Fine Arts programs offers in depth studies of traditional and contemporary art forms.
Emerging Saskatchewan First Nations artists are contributing to the retention of their historic culture through a blending of traditional and contemporary expression, maintaining a strong and vital connection to the past while offering hope and healing for future generations.
First Nations in Saskatchewan
| Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation | Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean |
| Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation | Man First Nation |
| Big Island Lake Cree Nation | Muscowpetung First Nation |
| Big River First Nation | Muskeg Lake Cree Nation |
| Birch Narrows First Nation | Muskoday First Nation |
| Black Lake First Nation | Muskowekwan First Nation |
| Buffalo River Dene Nation | Nekaneet First Nation |
| Canoe Lake Cree First Nation | Ocean Man First Natioin |
| Carry the Kettle First Nation | Ochapowace First Nation |
| Clearwater River Dene Nation | Okanese First Nation |
| Cote First Nation | One Arrow First Nation |
| Cowessess First Nation | Onion Lake First Nation |
| Cumberland House Cree Nation | Pasqua First Nation |
| Day Star First Nation | Peepeekisis First Nation |
| English River First Nation | Pelican Lake First Nation |
| Fishing Lake First Nation | Peter Ballantyne First Nation |
| Flying Dust First Nation | Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation |
| Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation | Piapot Cree Nation |
| Gordon First Nation | Poundmaker Cree Nation |
| Hatchet Lake First Nation | Red Earth First Nation |
| Island Lake First Nation | Red Pheasant First Nation |
| James Smith Cree Nation | Sakimay First Nation |
| Kahkewistahaw First Nation | Saulteaux First Nation |
| Kawacatoose First Nation | Shoal Lake Cree Natioin |
| Keeseekoose First Nation | Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation |
| Key First Nation | Star Blanket Cree Nation |
| Kinistin Saulteaux Nation | Sturgeon Lake First Nation |
| Lac La Ronge Indian Band | Sweetgrass First Nation |
| Little Black Bear First Nation | Thunderchild First Nation |
| Little Pine First Nation | Wahpeton Dakota Nation |
| Lucky Man Cree Nation | Waterhen Lake First Nation |
| Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation | White Bear First Nation |
| Mistawasis First Nation | Whitecap Dakota First Nation |
| Montreal Lake Cree Nation | Witchekan Lake First Nation |
| Moosomin First Nation | Wood Mountain First Nation |
| Yellow Quill First Nation |
