OUR STORY
About Us
SALT RIVER FIRST NATION
About Salt River
First Nation
Welcome to Our Community
Salt River First Nation is located in the Northern most part of Alberta and the Southern most part of the Northwest Territories. We are a mix of Cree and Chipewyan people. We have members In the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland.
The Salt River First Nation community is a thriving space occupied by loving people that facilitate growth, acceptance, and love. We offer a variety of programs aimed at developing our youth and the surrounding community to ensure that Salt River First Nation can continue to leave a positive impact on those within and around it. Recently, in 2019, we opened a state-of-the-art business and conference centre which we hope will establish our community as a local commercial leader.
Our Community
The History of Salt
River First Nation
Our Roots
The Chipewyan Indians of SJave River who entered into Treaty on July 17, 1899, were comprised of two distinct Chipewyan groups: the Dedharesche mainly situate north of the 60th parallel in the territory presently know as the Northwest Territories and the Thebatthie mainly situate south of the 60th parallel in the territory presently known as the Province of Alberta.
The Dedharesche and Thebatthie were collectively recognized by Canada as a Band pursuant to the Act first under the name of the Fitz-Smith Native Band and later as the “Salt River First Nation # 195” (the Consolidated Band). The Salt River First Nation are Chipewyan descendants of Aboriginal peoples who traditionally used and occupied land in the Slave River area.
On March 27, 1988 the Consolidated Band passed a Band Council Resolution recommending the division of the Consolidated Band and the resumption of band governance in accordance with the discrete histories of the Dedharesche and Thebatthie.
Since March 27, 1988 the Dedharesche has governed its affairs under the name of the Salt River First Nation # 195 and the Thebatthie has governed its affairs under the name of Smith’s Landing First Nation (“Smith’s Landing”).
Treaty Settlement
Agreement Overview
The Salt River First Nation (SRFN) Treaty Settlement Agreement (TSA) was signed by the SFRN #195 and the Government of Canada in March 2002.
Under the TSA, the SRFN received a capital transfer and 102,400 acres, or 414 square kilometres, of land to be established as reserve land. The land is in multiple parcels, dispersed within the NWT and Wood Buffalo National Park.
On September 5, 2008, through an Order-in-Council, the Government of Canada established the Salt River First Nation Indian Reserve No. 195.
The Treaty Settlement Trust was formed from the capital transfer amount. The purpose of the Trust is to provide long term for the members, care for the community and grow the Nation’s land base and to invest in youth.
The Settlement Trust has Three Components:
Youth & Education
Infrastructure
Revenue
Youth & Education
Funds for Youth & Education are deposit to and distributed by the Youth & Education Foundation. The Foundation has 7 directors that are appointed by Council. Two of the 7 directors must be non-members and only 1 of the 7 directors can be a sitting member of Council.
- The Youth & Education Foundation was incorporated on November 28, 2002 as a not-for-profit corporation acting on behalf of Salt River First Nation:
- To provide funding for social, cultural, recreational and leadership Programs and Services for SRFN youth
- To develop and implement policies for funding SRFN students pursuing adult education and post-secondary education on and off-reserve
- To provide funding to SRFN students on and off-reserve wishing to pursue post-secondary education
- To develop and implement policies to provide financial support to in-school SRFN students on and off-reserve.
Infrastructure
These funds are invested and used exclusively for infrastructure development.
Revenue
- Funds from the revenue account are used to fund band operations as well as to provide assistance to members such as:
- Elders Payment – Annual payment to Elders to assist them with the annual pilgrimage to Lac Ste Anne or other expenses
- Graduation Bursary – Paid to SRFN students who complete a degree or diploma program
- Members Needs – Assistance to members for emergency needs are defined by the Members Needs Policy
- Emergency Home Repair Assistance – Assistance to members for emergency repairs to their home as defined in the Emergency Home Repair Policy
- Funeral Assistance – Assistance for funeral costs of a deceased member or spouse of a member as defined in the Death of a Member Policy
- Youth Assistance – Assistance to youth & children to engage in sports and recreational events as defined in the Youth Assistance Policy
Election Code
Elections for Chief and Council are held in the last 2 weeks of September every 3 years. The most recent election was September 19, 2022. The rules of election are detailed in the
Amended Amended Customary Election Regulations of the Salt River First Nation (In Force December 6, 2015) which incorporates all amendments approved by the Electors and put in force on the date of this Certificate.
Current Chief & Council
Acting Chief – Brad Laviolette Levi MacDonald – Councillor
Kendra Bourke – Councillor Freda Emile – Councillor
Donny Beaulieu – Councillor Warren Sikyea – Councillor
Language, Culture & Wellness
We believe culture is directly linked to a person’s health, and an all-inclusive concept of health is a critical component of a strong cultural identity. Salt River First Nation, as well as many other nations believe that the way to achieve a balance of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects that wil create an all-inclusive wellness is through culturally specific, holistic interventions.
This holistic approach to education enforces a positive cultural identity, personal growth and development, and wellness that prepare individuals for living a balanced life that is in line with culturally specific understandings of wellbeing and thus instills a sense of hope.
Our holistic approach includes a range of programming from on-the-land family and youth experiences to in-house workshops and support groups.
Drop in for tea, coffee and a chat with our staff or bring your crafting materials and use our sewing machines to create something special.
Reach out to our Centre for a list of current and upcoming programs and activities.
Contact Us
Phone: 867-621-0242 language.srfn@northwestel.net
Christina Wanderingspirit, Supportive Care Worker
Phone: 780-243-7974 christinamartenspirit@hotmail.com
Location: 176 Wintergreen Street
Hours of Operation:
Regular hours: 9am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday
Men’s Talking Circle – Call for more information
Crafting with Cree – call for more information
WHERE TO FIND US
Our Office
192 McDougal Road, PO Box: 960
Fort Smith, NT PO Box: 960 X0E 0P0
Get in Touch
- Tel: 867-872-2986
- Fax: 867-872-3550
SALT RIVER FIRST NATION © ALL RIGHTS RESEVED
