ôniyâw sâkahikanihk | Onion Lake Cree Nation
Community Profile
- The Onion Lake Cree Nation is a First Nations community with a strong cultural heritage, located in the prairie regions of western Canada
- Last Updated 2025-04-28 02:57:00 UTC
- Name: Onion Lake Cree Nation (ISC Code: 344)
- Former Names: Onion Lake Band, Onion Lake First Nation
- Band Style: First Nations
- Cultural Area: Prairie Provinces
- Indigenous Language: Cree
- Number of Registered Members: 7137
Governance
Band Council
- GOVERNANCE TYPE: Not Applicable
- TERM EXPIRES: 06/17/2026
- CHIEF: HENRY LEWIS
- NUMBER OF COUNCIL MEMBERS:9
- HENRY LEWIS
- IRENE CARTER
- TIMOTHY CHIEF
- DOREEN MASSON
- BERNADENE HARPER
- IVAN HARPER
- JOSEPH PETER WASKEWITCH
- HUBERT PAHTAYKEN
- LAURIE JIMMY
Contact Information
- BAND WEBSITE: http://www.onionlake.ca/
- PHONE NUMBER: (780) 847-2200
- FAX NUMBER: (780) 847-2226
- ADDRESS: PO BOX 100, ONION LAKE, SK
- EMAILS:
- Chief HENRY LEWIS:
- Councillor IRENE CARTER:
- Councillor TIMOTHY CHIEF:
- Councillor DOREEN MASSON:
- Councillor BERNADENE HARPER:
- Councillor IVAN HARPER:
- Councillor JOSEPH PETER WASKEWITCH:
- Councillor HUBERT PAHTAYKEN:
- Councillor LAURIE JIMMY:
- General Band Office:
- Media Contact:
- Referrals Contact:
- Websites
Band Financial Statements
- 2023 - Audited consolidated financial statements
- 2022 - Audited consolidated financial statements
- 2021 - Audited consolidated financial statements
- 2020 - Audited consolidated financial statements
- 2019 - Audited consolidated financial statements
- 2018 - Audited consolidated financial statements
- 2017 - Audited consolidated financial statements
- 2016 - Audited consolidated financial statements
- 2015 - Audited consolidated financial statements
- 2014 - Audited consolidated financial statements
- 2013 - Audited consolidated financial statements
- 2007 - Onion Lake Cree Nation20072008.pdf
- 2006 - Onion Lake Cree Nation20062007.pdf
- 2005 - Onion Lake Cree Nation20052006.pdf
- 2004 - Onion Lake Cree Nation20042005.pdf
- 2003 - Onion Lake Cree Nation20032004.pdf
- 2002 - Onion Lake Cree Nation20022003.pdf
- 2001 - Onion Lake Cree Nation20012002.pdf
Band Council Remuneration
- 2023 - Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
- 2022 - Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
- 2021 - Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
- 2020 - Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
- 2019 - Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
- 2018 - Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
- 2017 - Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
- 2016 - Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
- 2015 - Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
- 2014 - Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
- 2013 - Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
Laws, Bylaws, and Codes
Intergovernmental Agreements
Lands and Traditional Territory
Reserves
-
ISC Code: 9514
ONION LAKE INDIAN RESERVE NO. 119-1
35878.8 Hectares
[nil, nil] -
ISC Code: 6482
MAKAOO INDIAN RESERVE NO. 120
5626.6 Hectares
42 KM OF/DE LLOYDMINSTER
[53.2779625, -110.0061451] -
ISC Code: 9471
ONION LAKE INDIAN RESERVE NO. 119-2
1573.5 Hectares
37 KM WEST OF ST WALBURG
[53.7770001, -109.9781637] -
ISC Code: 6483
SEEKASKOOTCH INDIAN RESERVE NO. 119
15492.2 Hectares
142 KM NW/NO OF/DE NORTH BATTLEFORD
[52.7764752, -108.2974555]
- Located in traditional Cree territories spanning Alberta and Saskatchewan
- Encompasses regions around Onion Lake
- Traditional lands include mixed woodland and prairie ecosystems
- Historically significant hunting and gathering territories
Consultations and Referrals
Band Submissions
Consultation Reports
Band Business Interests
Band Owned Corporations
Court Records
Downloadable Court Decisions
- Stick v Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Whitstone v. Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Onion Lake Cree Nation v Stick
- Blois v. Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Whitstone v. Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Onion Lake Cree Nation et al v. His Majesty the King in Right of Canada
- Onion Lake Cree Nation v Stick
- Whitstone v. Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Onion Lake Cree Nation v. Canada
- Stick v Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Masson v. Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Erickson v Onion Lake Cree Nation
Active Court Cases
Media Reports
Media Reports
- Onion Lake Cree Nation welcomes bison herd
- Enbridge sale of interest in Athabasca pipeline assets
- Onion Lake Cree Nation and the Government of Canada sign new Health Arrangement
- Honouring Grief and Tradition: Supporting Indigenous Families with Compassion
- Cold Lake First Nations chief says he's ready to defend the federal Impact Assessment Act in court
- Onion Lake Cree Nation Expands Their Communications
- Sask First Nation leaders unhappy with Duty to Consult process
- 8 Alberta First Nations Want Impact Assessment Act Review for CCS Megaproject
- Onion Lake Cree Nation woman earns TD scholarship
- Onion Lake welcomes detox beds
- Addictions Treatment Spaces to Open in Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Alberta chiefs call for Assembly of First Nations to dissolve
- Onion Lake Cree Nation is suing Alberta over its new Act
- National Indigenous People’s Day Traditional Powwow a day of celebration and healing
- Onion Lake Cree Nation doubles down on legal action to now challenge Sask. First Act
- Saskatchewan does have a constitution; it’s called treaty
- I starved myself for financial transparency at Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing province over Saskatchewan First Act
- Onion Lake Cree Nation asks Saskatchewan to stop selling Crown land
- Onion Lake Cree Nation files lawsuit against Alberta’s Sovereignty Act
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Smith government over Alberta Sovereignty Act
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government, premier over Sovereignty Act
- Indigenous leaders continue calls for proper consultation in Saskatchewan
- Onion Lake Cree Nation sues provincial government over Saskatchewan First Act
- Poundmaker, Onion Lake Cree Nations file $3B lawsuit against Canadian government over oil, gas rights
- Onion Lake First Nation suing province over Sask. First Act, natural resource rights
- 7 First Nations in Alta. want answers on carbon capture and storage plans
- Surge in Prairie meth use forces First Nations to find creative solutions
- Bison returns back to land on Poundmaker and Onion Lake Cree Nations
- Some Onion Lake residents say info about diphtheria not coming fast enough after 2 cases confirmed
- Murray Mandryk: Onion Lake Sask. First Act lawsuit could create havoc
- Bridges cover story: Judge Lua Gibb, an Onion Lake Cree Nation success story
- Onion Lake Cree Nation ‘left to defend for ourselves’ amid gang, drug-related activity: OLCN
- 2016 Census Aboriginal Community Portrait – Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Onion Lake powwow returns to huge crowd after pandemic measures lifted
- Onion Lake Cree Nation voices concerns about Sask. trespassing law
- Onion Lake Cree Nation sues Alberta government over sovereignty act
- Stick v. Onion Lake Cree Nation, 2017 SKQB 176, Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench (Barrington-Foote J.), 15 June 2017
- Onion Lake Cree Nation challenges Alberta Sovereignty Act in court
- Pewaseskwan at USask supports Nehiyawak (Cree) language and culture revitalization on Saskatchewan First Nation
- Onion Lake councillor blames 'structural issues' for ongoing emergency
- 'They're all hungry for the dance': Onion Lake powwow a long-awaited celebration
- Doug Cuthand: First Nations are fighting the Sask. First Act
- Vocalist from Onion Lake Cree Nation makes Indigenous Music Countdown top 10
- Onion Lake Cree Nation taking another province to court over primacy law
- 2023 Wall of Honour - Alumni and Friends | University of Saskatchewan
- Help for Onion Lake Cree Nation to battle gangs delayed due to COVID-19, says feds
- Cree kids become recording artists talking about mental health, friendship and culture
- Chiefs Recognize Continued Termination of First Nations Rights Agenda by Canada
- Onion Lake Cree Nation bans 32 people in its fight against gang and drug-related activity
- Judge Lua Gibb, an Onion Lake Cree Nation success story
- Missing millions lead to an aborted building on Sask. First Nation
- Onion Lake Cree Nation files court challenge on Saskatchewan First Act
- First Nations have new weapon in traditional land disputes with Sask. government — maps
- Poundmaker, Onion Lake Cree Nations file $3-billion lawsuit against Canadian government over oil, gas rights
- Onion Lake Cree Nation sues Alberta over sovereignty act, alleging harmful intent
- Onion Lake chief explains lawsuit against provincial government
- Onion Lake Cree Nation ordered again by judge to post financial statements
- Northern Cree Singers Founder Steve Wood on 'Loyalty to Our Drum' and Why the Group Is Like a Hockey Team
- Onion Lake Cree Nation and Ottawa partner to build new high school
- Ottawa gives $37M to Prairie First Nations for holding out historic 'rightfully owed' funds
- acimowin – to tell a story
- Onion Lake Cree Nation boards up suspected meth houses, runs out gang members
- Searching for residential school graves in Onion Lake, Sask., 'opening up old wounds,' survivor says
- First Nations ‘traditional healer’ changes plea on 12 sexual assault charges
- Onion Lake man's family wants RCMP to reopen investigation, believes foul play was involved
- 'Gyms can be intimidating': Women Warriors offers Indigenous women fitness in a safe space
- Onion Lake declares state of emergency over gang activity
- Onion Lake Cree Nation wants Chiefs to reject Indigenous child welfare legislation
- Sask. First Nations pursuing landmark anti-meth strategy
- Red Deer man charged in murders of two Onion Lake women
- 'Walking in two worlds': Indigenous bishop Chris Harper accepts national role with Anglican Church
- Onion Lake Chief Fox expected to plead guilty to charge stemming from 2015 domestic incident
- Sask. First Nations open $3B lawsuit against federal government
- Canada's chiefs call out federal government
- 'Help us': Drug, gang deaths prompt Sask. First Nation to declare state of emergency
- Onion Lake powwow draws immense crowd in first post-pandemic Indigenous cultural gathering
- First Nations won't be excluded from critical minerals 'gold rush,' say leaders
- Reluctant Future 40 recipient Nahanni Olson is pleased she said yes to opportunity
- 'It's more than just a haircut': Indigenous stylist provides safe space, empowerment through her work
- Onion Lake Chief Henry concerned over Sask government consultation process
- Onion Lake part of Treaty Tribes refusing Canada’s framework
- Music project builds self-esteem for northeast Alberta Indigenous youth
- Danielle Smith says she has Cherokee roots, but there's no record of them
- Canada to fund 117 new homes for Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan
- Unresolved: Violet Heathen
- Alberta First Nations say they weren't consulted on Ottawa's UNDRIP action plan
- Onion Lake community holds MMIW walk
- Unresolved: Jeannette Jean Chief
- How First Nations are leaving their mark on the cannabis industry
- Chiefs Reject Canada's Child Welfare Law: Bill C-92 Fails to Address First Nations Jurisdiction
- Indigenous groups signal upcoming legal battle over Sask. First Act
- Onion Lake Cree Nation chief charged with assault
- Onion Lake Cree Nation and Sawridge First Nation win in Federal Court
- Grammy award nominees Northern Cree will kick off ceremony in L.A.
- Justice minister denies Ottawa is looking to reopen provincial resources agreements
- Red Deer man admits separate killings of two Onion Lake Cree Nation women
- Treaty 6 Nation sues Alberta government over sovereignty act
- Onion Lake Cree Nation releases financial documents after court order
- Faith Bosse speaks about MMIWG advocacy work for youth
- Canada's chiefs call out federal government
- In Their Own Words
- The bison are back in town: For this Cree nation, cultural renewal comes thundering home
- Sask. Opposition MLA, Indigenous leaders call for halt of Crown lands auction
- Indigenous activist demands transparency from Thunderchild First Nation
- 8 Alberta First Nations Want Impact Assessment Act Review for CCS Megaproject
- Two cases of diphtheria confirmed in area of Onion Lake Cree Nation in Sask.
- Diane Francis: The federal government has abrogated its responsibility to hold First Nations accountable
- First Nations call for federal review of carbon capture project for Alberta's oilsands
- Sask. RCMP investigating homicide on Onion Lake Cree Nation
- RCMP investigating homicide on Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Federal government announces several settlements of historic claims with First Nations in Saskatchewan
- First Nations want Impact Assessment Act review for Pathways Alliance project
- Video: Canadian First – MOU signed with Onion Lake -
- ‘Our goal is to empower’: Onion Lake podcast bridges community through conversations
- Indspire Celebrates Indigenous Excellence With Announcement of 2025 Indspire Awards Recipients
- First Nation Community Profiles
- Sask. RCMP investigating homicide on Onion Lake Cree Nation
- First Nations leaders decry Sask. Party’s neglect of Duty to Consult framework
- Onion Lake man named Indigenous Archbishop of the Anglican Church
- Onion Lake partners with Saskatchewan for 15 new detox spaces
- Moe government could end up in court with First Nations over resource development
- Onion Lake powwow draws immense crowd in first post-pandemic Indigenous cultural gathering
- Onion Lake Cree Nation, NDP calling on halt to Crown land lease auction
- Onion Lake Cree Nation member delivers petition demanding Trudeau enforce First Nations transparency law
- Police launch investigation after sudden death of infant on Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government over sovereignty act
- Onlookers gather to witness incredible moment bison herd is released back into wild: 'They knew they were home'
- Onion Lake Cree Nation calls for repeal of trespass amendments
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government over sovereignty act
- Federal Government to pay $37 million to 14 First Nations in Sask. for unpaid Treaty Salaries
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government over sovereignty act
- This First Nations woman refuses to let Ottawa help hide her band's finances
- Onion Lake and Ottawa enter agreement over funding changes to health services
- Onion Lake Cree Nation sues Alberta over sovereignty act, alleging harmful intent
- Envisioning an Indigenous Jurisdictional Process: A nehiyaw (Cree) Law Approach
- Several First Nations grapple with confirmed COVID-19 cases, press government for help
- Canada's chiefs call out federal government
- 'Do not approach him': Sask. RCMP seeking tips finding wanted Onion Lake man
- Yonnhe’ón:we indigenous arts series weaves video, dance and music
- Surge in Prairie meth use forces First Nations to find creative solutions
- Onion Lake Cree Nation ordered to post financial docs online
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government over sovereignty act
- Onion Lake Cree Nation challenges Alberta Sovereignty Act in court
- Chiefs of Canada’s First Nations call on feds on National Indigenous Peoples Day
- Red Deer man charged with murder of two Onion Lake Cree Nation women
- Onion Lake finances reveal chief’s $150K salary
- Onion Lake Cree Nation releases financials, ending legal battle with a member
- Honouring Grief and Tradition: Supporting Indigenous Families with Compassion
- Indigenous gamers advocate for representation and education
- Onion Lake Cree Nation releases financial statements after losing court battle
- Sask. court orders Onion Lake Cree Nation to disclose finances
- Bison returns back to land on Poundmaker and Onion Lake Cree Nations
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government over sovereignty act
- First Nations start work on seventh gaming facility in Saskatchewan
- Sask. First Act sparks legal action: Duty to consult legislation critical
- 'Jail is not the answer': Onion Lake First Nation holds drugs and gangs summit
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government over sovereignty act
- Onion Lake resident calls for release of band's financial documents
- How Alberta can learn from some First Nations on how to save oil money
- ‘Our goal is to empower’: Onion Lake podcast bridges community through conversations
- Onion Lake Cree Nation files lawsuit challenging Alberta’s sovereignty act
- Onion Lake Cree Nation files lawsuit challenging Alberta’s sovereignty act
- MLTC and Onion Lake Cree Nation producing comprehensive video for breastfeeding mothers
- ‘We’re not backing down:’ First Nations call on the province to stop the sale of Crown land
- ‘We’re not backing down:’ First Nations call on the province to stop the sale of Crown land
- Cold Lake First Nations chief ready to defend federal Impact Assessment Act in court
- Missing millions lead to an aborted building on Sask. First Nation
- Northwest musicians win big at Sask. Music Awards
- ‘Our goal is to empower’: Onion Lake podcast bridges community through conversations
- Ex-official speaks out about alleged racism at Indian Oil and Gas Canada
- Chiefs of Canada’s First Nations call on feds on National Indigenous Peoples Day
- Braid: Smith's sovereignty act is in danger from legitimate First Nations challenges
- Onion Lake Cree Nation calls on province to repeal new trespassing laws
- Onion Lake Cree Nation sues province over Saskatchewan First Act
- Onion Lake First Nation heading to court against First Nations Financial Transparency Act
- Onion Lake Cree Nation residents rally to raise awareness about First Nations citizenship
- Sask. RCMP say human remains found in Alberta belong to missing Onion Lake Cree Nation man
- Indigenous gamers advocate for representation and education
- Alberta CCS Project Could Be ‘Scuppered’ without Permanent Subsidies, Industry Analysts Warn
- First Nations launch $3-billion lawsuit alleging Ottawa failed to protect resource rights
- Member of Onion Lake Cree Nation appointed as provincial court judge
- Reasserting Sovereignty: Defending Treaty Nations and challenging the governments of Canada and Alberta
- An urban elder’s journey: The role of tradition, community, and education
- First Nations win Federal Court battle over transparency law
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government over sovereignty act
- Onion Lake podcast aims to keep Cree language alive
- Onion Lake teepee brings people together
- ‘Our goal is to empower’: Onion Lake podcast bridges community through conversations
- Recipients of 2024 TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples named
- Beyond Local: Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government over sovereignty act
- Onion Lake Cree Nation sues province over Saskatchewan First Act
- Onion Lake podcast aims to keep Cree language alive
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government over sovereignty act
- Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government over sovereignty act
- $12M in funding still being withheld from First Nations
- Onion Lake podcast aims to keep Cree language alive
- Heavy police presence on Onion Lake amid ongoing investigation
Academic Research
Academic Research
- Envisioning an Indigenous Jurisdictional Process: A Nehiyaw (Cree) Law Approach
- Nikawiy to ôtanisa Narratives-Nehiyaw (Cree) Mother to Daughter Stories for Inherent Role of Nehiyaw-Iskwewak in Governance and Numbered Indian Treaty …
- George Mann was not a cowboy: rationalizing western versus Aboriginal perspectives of life and death'dramatic'history
- Narratives and Drama in 1885
- Indigenous Peoples' Oral Histories of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR), 1972-1994
- Cree intellectual traditions in history
- Measuring success in first nations, Inuit and Métis Learning
- Decolonizing Literacy
- Frequency of traditional food use by three Yukon First Nations living in four communities
- Evacuating first nations during wildfires in Canada
- Decolonizing Literacy
- First Nations Control of First Nations Education: Using Land as a Foundation for Scholastic Achievement while Reinforcing Cree Culture, Language, and Ways of …
- Subsistence and economic adaptation in the Onion Lake Agency, 1876-1920
- Reversals in Reading Among Native Students From Onion Lake, Saskatchewan-Alberta
- First Nations Control of First Nations Education: Using Land as a Foundation for Scholastic Achievement while Reinforcing Cree Culture, Language, and Ways of …
- First Nations Control of First Nations Education: Using Land as a Foundation for Scholastic Achievement while Reinforcing Cree Culture, Language, and Ways of …
- First Nations Control of First Nations Education: Using Land as a Foundation for Scholastic Achievement while Reinforcing Cree Culture, Language, and Ways of …
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