Montana First Nation

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,^[4] it is one of four First Nations in the area of Maskwacis.^[5]

Montana First Nation
Band No. 442

• ᐊᑳᒥᕽ
• akâmihk

People	Cree
Treaty	Treaty 6
Headquarters	Maskwacis
Province	Alberta
Land[1]
Main reserve	Montana 139
Other reserve(s)	Pigeon Lake 138A
Land area	47.459 km2
Population (2019)[2]
On reserve	725
Off reserve	342
Total population	1067
Government[3]
Chief	Leonard Standingontheroad
Website
montanafirstnation.com

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.

After it lay substantially vacant for a period of time, Little Bear, son of Cree chief Big Bear saw 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.^[6]

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

Indian Reserves

There are two reserves under the governance of the band:^[7]

• Montana 139
• Pigeon Lake 138A

References

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