Montana First Nation

Montana First Nation
Band No. 442
  • ᐊᑳᒥᕽ
  • akâmihk
PeopleCree
TreatyTreaty 6
HeadquartersMaskwacis
ProvinceAlberta
Land[1]
Main reserveMontana 139
Other reserve(s)
Land area47.459 km2
Population (2019)[1]
On reserve725
Off reserve342
Total population1067
Government[1]
ChiefLeonard Standingontheroad
Website
montanafirstnation.com Edit this at Wikidata

The Montana First Nation (Cree: ᐊᑳᒥᕽ, akâmihk) is a First Nations band government in Alberta, Canada. It is a Treaty 6 government. Formerly the Montana Band of Indians,[2] it is one of four First Nations in the area of Maskwacis.[3]

The land where the Montana First Nation now sits near Wetaskiwin was originally set aside for the Bobtail Band of Indians. When the band was dispersed, the land was abandoned.[1]

After it lay substantially vacant for a period of time, Little Bear, son of Cree chief Big Bearsaw it as a place for his band, which had previously taken up residence in Montana (U.S.). Due to support from missionary John Chantler McDoubgall, the land was granted to the Montana Band of Indians.[4][2]

In 1909 the reserve was reduced in size to just 10 squre miles. The band is currently contesting that reduction.[3]

Indian Reserves[edit]

There are two reserves under the governance of the band:[5]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "First Nation Detail". Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  2. ^ Montana First Nation website history page
  3. ^ Montana First Nation homepage
  4. ^ ""Little Bear"". Edmonton Bulletin, March 15, 1897: 2.
  5. ^ Indian and Northern Affairs Canada "Reserves/Settlements/Villages Detail