LEADERSHIP
Okimaw Henry Lew
The Onion Lake First Nation has educational facilities, a modern health centre, and indoor/outdoor sports facilities. There are both band-owned and privately owned businesses on reserve, providing the community with essential services and employing both residents and non-residents. Currently, 2,408 of the band’s 4,003 members live on the 57,737.5 ha of reserve land, situated 50 km north of Lloydminster. The Onion Lake Reserve straddles the Saskatchewan-Alberta border, making it Canada’s only border Cree Nation.
ABOUT THE
ONION LAKE CREE NATION
The Onion Lake First Nation has educational facilities, a modern health centre, and indoor/outdoor sports facilities. There are both band-owned and privately owned businesses on reserve, providing the community with essential services and employing both residents and non-residents. Currently, 2,408 of the band’s 4,003 members live on the 57,737.5 ha of reserve land, situated 50 km north of Lloydminster. The Onion Lake Reserve straddles the Saskatchewan-Alberta border, making it Canada’s only border Cree Nation.
306-344-4200
Okimaw Henry Lewis
Chief
I served our community for 14 years, my late father Pierre passed on his traditional knowledge, so I am a pipe carrier and lodge holder. I will continue following the agenda that has Treaty Rights, Inherent rights, self-determination, and sovereignty as the way of our people.
Onion Lake is standing at a difficult time for all First Nations Peoples. Canada’s legislation and policies are threatening the existence of our people and our lands.
I am proud and happy to continue the work that needs to be done for our people.
Okimaw
Henry Lewis
Chief
I served our community for 14 years, my late father Pierre passed on his traditional knowledge, so I am a pipe carrier and lodge holder. I will continue following the agenda that has Treaty Rights, Inherent rights, self-determination, and sovereignty as the way of our people.
Onion Lake is standing at a difficult time for all First Nations Peoples. Canada’s legislation and policies are threatening the existence of our people and our lands.
I am proud and happy to continue the work that needs to be done for our people.
Timothy
Chief
Councilor
Tansi my name is Timothy chief council member for the onion lake cree nation I am the son of Late Glen and Irene chief.
I am 41 years old married and a father of 4 beautiful children ...previous to being on council I enjoyed a 21 year oilfield/trucking career which brought many experiences and challenges as an elected leader i will continue working with growing our vibrant community and help plan for generations to come I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as an elected leader for our growing community hiy hiy.
Ivan
Harper
Councilor
My mother is Florence Harper, Grandparents are Victor Harper and Christina Harper (nee Heathen). I was born in Camrose, Alberta. I lived in Edmonton and eventually moved back to Onion Lake when I was 15 years of age. I Graduated in 1987 from Chief Taylor.
I spent 16 years as a Federal correctional Officer at Saskatchewan Penitentiary and Willow Cree Healing Lodge. I did a number of years as a pastor in Prince Albert, Sk.
I am committed to our community to find peace, safety, and a purpose for their lives; That people can find the strength they need to overcome life’s struggles and enjoy life. I believe all people need love, respect, accountability, and direction and to be responsible for what they have been given by God; who created each one of us.
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the Leadership team, may we see good things ahead!
Bernadine
Harper
Councilor
Tansi niwakomakanak, greetings all my relations; Bernadine Harper nitsikason, omisimaw oldest daughter to late Alex Harper (nohtawi) and late Louisa Harper (Lameman) nikawi, six younger brothers. My paternal grandparents; late Pierre Harper and late Mary Harper (Pahtayken); and maternal grandparents late Paul Lameman and late Mary Lameman (Whitstone). My family were my first greatest teachers, where they instilled our traditional values and teachings of life, grounded in ceremony; Creator’s Laws, Natural Laws, and to show utmost respect to all human-kind and creation. I do my best to live by these laws and values as we were born with them to help govern and guide our path in life.
In life’s learning journey I also obtained a Bachelor’s of Indian Social Work degree, Asset Mapping T4T, Domestic Violence Intervention training, Edu-Therapy, Kairos Blanket Exercise, ASIST Trainer, trained in The Journey, Group facilitator, Truth and Reconciliation, Traditional Parenting T4T, Medicine Wheel facilitator, land Based T4T, Indigenous Crisis Response T4T, traditional teachings (roles and protocols of ceremonies) and much more.
I was taught excellent work ethics from an early age and as a result have been fortunate to work for our nation, approximately 45 years in the frontline and management field.
My career path changed when I was elected as a Band Council June 17, 2022 and I want to express my gratitude to the people who have faith in me to be one of the leaders for our nation. In my new role as leadership, I bring with me all of the above as well lived experiences of both positive/negative, where I learned the lessons of life’s challenges and turned them into positive stepping stones which gives me Hope and Optimism.
My goal is: Advocacy, Accountability, Inclusion (sense of belonging), Transparency, Open-mind, Trustworthy, Honesty, Communication, Integrity, trustworthy etc. I will continue to work for people of our nation at a different capacity. I am thankful for our ancestors who paved a trail for us to have a better tomorrow and I honor and acknowledge them as they continue to surround us daily as we now pave the trails for our future generations to come for a better future as well.
ninanaskomaw kici mamawi otawimaw okisewatsowin kamikoya tatokisikaw
Thankful to creator for the gift of life daily.
Bernadine Harper
Councilor Onion Lake Cree Nation
Doreen
Masson
Councilor
Tanisi, Niya Doreen Masson nisikason, I am the 7 th child born to Late George Kanipitetew Sr and Edna (Harper) Kanipitetew.- the youngest girl of 6 sisters, 1 Older brother and 4 younger brothers.
I married my husband, Lazarus Masson in 1987, 2 years later, in 1989, we began the family life by welcoming our first-born son, Clint, followed by 2 daughters Cresida in 1991 and Chelaine in 1993 and one adopted Son, Kendall. Years later, we are blessed with 4 grandsons, Abel, Mehegan, Bodhi and Vali.
My pride is my family, my foundation is my family, my strength is my family, my life is my family. I have lived and worked in Onion Lake my entire life, I have been employed in various roles in the Community throughout the years, I raised my children here and have witnessed their struggles and successes in this Community. Now I get to enjoy watching my grandchildren grow and be apart of this Community as well. Our community means a lot to me and I will always advocate for its potential, albeit a Councilors role or otherwise.
I have been a Band Councilor for four (4) terms, ending in 2018, for the past 4 years, we have seen our Community endure a lot of hardship, but it is necessary for things to break in order to build stronger. We are ready to make that commitment for our Nation. I acknowledge the past and present leadership for all the work they have done, since the beginning days of Chief Taylor and his advocacy for our first On-Reserve school. Onion Lake Cree nation needs to move forward with a fresh mandate as priority instilled by previous leadership and their dedicated movement to Treaty and Inherent Rights, not withstanding the importance of Community whom will have a major role to play when it comes to fulfilling the vision of our Ancestors and the promises made for Treaty #6. I pride myself in the ability to see things from various perspectives which allows me to make choices I can be accountable to. I value trust, honesty, accountability and integrity, they are always at the forefront with everything I do. In closing, I am in the office Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm unless I am on the road travelling to off reserve meetings.
Ekosi Pitamah
Ah hay
Hubert
Pahtayken
Councilor
I have been in leadership for the past 10 years. I grew up in Onion Lake and had the opportunity to work on and off reserve over the years. I have been driving trucks for most of my career hauling grains to propane hauls, doing long hauls across the United States, as well as mini-long hauls across Saskatchewan and Alberta. Today, I enjoy the company of fellow community members and my family.
It is always difficult to see my community members go through grief; the loss of a loved one or a grievance caused by gang activity. I commit myself to stand against oppression, domestic or foreign. I take pride in my community, and the accomplishments we made and are making today. I believe that hard work and dedication to my first nation have been positive.
I thank my supporters for their trust in me and hope to achieve positive outcomes for our community in the future.
Irene
Carter
Councilor
I would like to extend my appreciation to the community for being patient as I continue to learn my new role as Council for our Nation.
My name is Irene Carter, 8th child of the Late Ivan and Edna MacDonald. My marriage partner Nelson and I have two adult children and 11 grandchildren. I share many other children and grandchildren with the Nation.
My education was and is from this community. My life learning included land based and in school learning. I graduated Grade 12 in 1980 from Chief Taylor. I earned my Bachelor of Education Degree in 1998 from University of Saskatchewan. I am currently enrolled in the School of Social Work through First Nations University, but have taken time off from classes to focus on my new role.
When accepting the position as Council for Onion Lake Cree Nation, I made an oath to remain of true integrity with good standing, and accept the responsibility to learn the Nation’s history of its developments, and in doing so, make informed decisions to support and secure a good future for our descendants. I give all the glory to our Creator, for blessing and allowing me the strength of peace and knowledge to serve our Nation through him.
The portfolio’s I hold for the Nation’s people include;
1. Nation’s Administration:
Director of Operations Philip Chief
1. Including; Human Resources, Community Development, Communications,
Employment Training, Elders support and Finance. And,
2. Youth/Women Council: Youth initiatives, Oskayak ekwa Iskewak Pasikowak
Coordinator – Fraser Heathen
My alternate portfolio assignments are with Council LaurieAnn Jimmy in Education and Council
Ivan Harper in Treaty Governance and IRA/Band Membership.
Ekosi pitamak… Mwestas.
Joseph
Waskewitch Jr.
Councilor
Tansi, I have 7 adult children losing a daughter 7 years ago. My wife and I have been married for 45 years. After working as a school maintenance personnel for 22 years, I left to go back to school. I attended the University of Saskatchewan to become a shop teacher. After 5 years I graduated with honors; I also minored in Native Studies while attending. I was also employed at Eagleview High School to teach Native Studies and Cree. It was a memorable experience teaching for the 6 years I was employed.
I was elected in leadership through a by-election for the remainder of the last term. I was re-elected this past June for a full term of 4 years.
Laurie
Ann Jimmy
Councilor
I have worked in just about every department of our Nation. My life has not been easy as I faced many challenges growing up and into my adult life. I have dealt with a lot of family violence issues, as well as struggling as a single parent. I believe that the battles I faced in my life has made me the strong person I am today. I have a lot of experience in the business side as well as band programs, and I believe the real experience I got from this is what employees and band members go through in the struggles of daily life.
Not till I got into my Leadership role did I realize we have a much bigger battle as a Nation facing federal and provincial governments. But that doesn’t mean I won’t continue to advocate and speak for staff and membership. We need to come together as a community as we face these challenges in keeping our Nation a Nation.
Okimaw Henry Lewis
Chief
I served our community for 14 years, my late father Pierre passed on his traditional knowledge, so I am a pipe carrier and lodge holder. I will continue following the agenda that has Treaty Rights, Inherent rights, self-determination, and sovereignty as the way of our people.
Onion Lake is standing at a difficult time for all First Nations Peoples. Canada’s legislation and policies are threatening the existence of our people and our lands.
I am proud and happy to continue the work that needs to be done for our people.
Timothy Chief
Councilor
Tansi my name is Timothy chief council member for the onion lake cree nation I am the son of Late Glen and Irene chief.
I am 41 years old married and a father of 4 beautiful children ...previous to being on council I enjoyed a 21 year oilfield/trucking career which brought many experiences and challenges as an elected leader i will continue working with growing our vibrant community and help plan for generations to come I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as an elected leader for our growing community hiy hiy.
Ivan Harper
Councilor
My mother is Florence Harper, Grandparents are Victor Harper and Christina Harper (nee Heathen). I was born in Camrose, Alberta. I lived in Edmonton and eventually moved back to Onion Lake when I was 15 years of age. I Graduated in 1987 from Chief Taylor.
I spent 16 years as a Federal correctional Officer at Saskatchewan Penitentiary and Willow Cree Healing Lodge. I did a number of years as a pastor in Prince Albert, Sk.
I am committed to our community to find peace, safety, and a purpose for their lives; That people can find the strength they need to overcome life’s struggles and enjoy life. I believe all people need love, respect, accountability, and direction and to be responsible for what they have been given by God; who created each one of us.
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the Leadership team, may we see good things ahead!
Bernadine Harper
Councilor
Tansi niwakomakanak, greetings all my relations; Bernadine Harper nitsikason, omisimaw oldest daughter to late Alex Harper (nohtawi) and late Louisa Harper (Lameman) nikawi, six younger brothers. My paternal grandparents; late Pierre Harper and late Mary Harper (Pahtayken); and maternal grandparents late Paul Lameman and late Mary Lameman (Whitstone). My family were my first greatest teachers, where they instilled our traditional values and teachings of life, grounded in ceremony; Creator’s Laws, Natural Laws, and to show utmost respect to all human-kind and creation. I do my best to live by these laws and values as we were born with them to help govern and guide our path in life.
In life’s learning journey I also obtained a Bachelor’s of Indian Social Work degree, Asset Mapping T4T, Domestic Violence Intervention training, Edu-Therapy, Kairos Blanket Exercise, ASIST Trainer, trained in The Journey, Group facilitator, Truth and Reconciliation, Traditional Parenting T4T, Medicine Wheel facilitator, land Based T4T, Indigenous Crisis Response T4T, traditional teachings (roles and protocols of ceremonies) and much more.
I was taught excellent work ethics from an early age and as a result have been fortunate to work for our nation, approximately 45 years in the frontline and management field.
My career path changed when I was elected as a Band Council June 17, 2022 and I want to express my gratitude to the people who have faith in me to be one of the leaders for our nation. In my new role as leadership, I bring with me all of the above as well lived experiences of both positive/negative, where I learned the lessons of life’s challenges and turned them into positive stepping stones which gives me Hope and Optimism.
My goal is: Advocacy, Accountability, Inclusion (sense of belonging), Transparency, Open-mind, Trustworthy, Honesty, Communication, Integrity, trustworthy etc. I will continue to work for people of our nation at a different capacity. I am thankful for our ancestors who paved a trail for us to have a better tomorrow and I honor and acknowledge them as they continue to surround us daily as we now pave the trails for our future generations to come for a better future as well.
ninanaskomaw kici mamawi otawimaw okisewatsowin kamikoya tatokisikaw
Thankful to creator for the gift of life daily.
Bernadine Harper
Councilor Onion Lake Cree Nation
Doreen Masson
Councilor
Tanisi, Niya Doreen Masson nisikason, I am the 7 th child born to Late George Kanipitetew Sr and Edna (Harper) Kanipitetew.- the youngest girl of 6 sisters, 1 Older brother and 4 younger brothers.
I married my husband, Lazarus Masson in 1987, 2 years later, in 1989, we began the family life by welcoming our first-born son, Clint, followed by 2 daughters Cresida in 1991 and Chelaine in 1993 and one adopted Son, Kendall. Years later, we are blessed with 4 grandsons, Abel, Mehegan, Bodhi and Vali.
My pride is my family, my foundation is my family, my strength is my family, my life is my family. I have lived and worked in Onion Lake my entire life, I have been employed in various roles in the Community throughout the years, I raised my children here and have witnessed their struggles and successes in this Community. Now I get to enjoy watching my grandchildren grow and be apart of this Community as well. Our community means a lot to me and I will always advocate for its potential, albeit a Councilors role or otherwise.
I have been a Band Councilor for four (4) terms, ending in 2018, for the past 4 years, we have seen our Community endure a lot of hardship, but it is necessary for things to break in order to build stronger. We are ready to make that commitment for our Nation. I acknowledge the past and present leadership for all the work they have done, since the beginning days of Chief Taylor and his advocacy for our first On-Reserve school. Onion Lake Cree nation needs to move
forward with a fresh mandate as priority instilled by previous leadership and their dedicated movement to Treaty and Inherent Rights, not withstanding the importance of Community whom will have a major role to play when it comes to fulfilling the vision of our Ancestors and the promises made for Treaty #6. I pride myself in the ability to see things from various perspectives which allows me to make choices I can be accountable to. I value trust, honesty, accountability and integrity, they are always at the forefront with everything I do. In closing, I am in the office Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm unless I am on the road travelling to off reserve meetings.
Ekosi Pitamah
Ah hay
Hubert Pahtayken
Councilor
I have been in leadership for the past 10 years. I grew up in Onion Lake and had the opportunity to work on and off reserve over the years. I have been driving trucks for most of my career hauling grains to propane hauls, doing long hauls across the United States, as well as mini-long hauls across Saskatchewan and Alberta. Today, I enjoy the company of fellow community members and my family.
It is always difficult to see my community members go through grief; the loss of a loved one or a grievance caused by gang activity. I commit myself to stand against oppression, domestic or foreign. I take pride in my community, and the accomplishments we made and are making today. I believe that hard work and dedication to my first nation have been positive.
I thank my supporters for their trust in me and hope to achieve positive outcomes for our community in the future.
Irene Carter
Councilor
I would like to extend my appreciation to the community for being patient as I continue to learn my new role as Council for our Nation.
My name is Irene Carter, 8th child of the Late Ivan and Edna MacDonald. My marriage partner Nelson and I have two adult children and 11 grandchildren. I share many other children and grandchildren with the Nation.
My education was and is from this community. My life learning included land based and in school learning. I graduated Grade 12 in 1980 from Chief Taylor. I earned my Bachelor of Education Degree in 1998 from University of Saskatchewan. I am currently enrolled in the School of Social Work through First Nations University, but have taken time off from classes to focus on my new role.
When accepting the position as Council for Onion Lake Cree Nation, I made an oath to remain of true integrity with good standing, and accept the responsibility to learn the Nation’s history of its developments, and in doing so, make informed decisions to support and secure a good future for our descendants. I give all the glory to our Creator, for blessing and allowing me the strength of peace and knowledge to serve our Nation through him.
The portfolio’s I hold for the Nation’s people include;
1. Nation’s Administration:
Director of Operations Philip Chief
1. Including; Human Resources, Community Development, Communications,
Employment Training, Elders support and Finance. And,
2. Youth/Women Council: Youth initiatives, Oskayak ekwa Iskewak Pasikowak
Coordinator – Fraser Heathen
My alternate portfolio assignments are with Council LaurieAnn Jimmy in Education and Council
Ivan Harper in Treaty Governance and IRA/Band Membership.
Ekosi pitamak… Mwestas.
Joseph Waskewitch Jr.
Councilor
Tansi, I have 7 adult children losing a daughter 7 years ago. My wife and I have been married for 45 years. After working as a school maintenance personnel for 22 years, I left to go back to school. I attended the University of Saskatchewan to become a shop teacher. After 5 years I graduated with honors; I also minored in Native Studies while attending. I was also employed at Eagleview High School to teach Native Studies and Cree. It was a memorable experience teaching for the 6 years I was employed.
I was elected in leadership through a by-election for the remainder of the last term. I was re-elected this past June for a full term of 4 years.
Laurie Ann Jimmy
Councilor
I have worked in just about every department of our Nation. My life has not been easy as I faced many challenges growing up and into my adult life. I have dealt with a lot of family violence issues, as well as struggling as a single parent. I believe that the battles I faced in my life has made me the strong person I am today. I have a lot of experience in the business side as well as band programs, and I believe the real experience I got from this is what employees and band members go through in the struggles of daily life.
Not till I got into my Leadership role did I realize we have a much bigger battle as a Nation facing federal and provincial governments. But that doesn’t mean I won’t continue to advocate and speak for staff and membership. We need to come together as a community as we face these challenges in keeping our Nation a Nation.