Sawridge First Nation (“Sawridge”) is a community with a vibrant history, present, and future. From time immemorial, our resilient community has flourished, weaving an intricate tapestry of traditions, culture, and wisdom that transcends time. Our name, Sawridge, is inspired by the land which we call home, the ancient glacier valley with many hills that resemble ridges of a saw.
On June 21, 1899, on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake, Treaty 8 was signed on behalf of Sawridge First Nation by Chief Charles Neesotasis (Twin). Other signatories included Chief Keenooshayoo, David Laird, Father Albert Lacombe, Rev. George Homes, Bishop Émile Grouard, J.A.J. McKenna, James Hamilton Ross, W.G. White, James Walker, A. Arthur Cote, A.E. Snyder, H.B. Round,
Harrison S. Young, J.F. Prud’Homme, C. Mair, H.A. Conroy, Pierre Deschambeault, Joseph Henri Picard, Richard Secord, Matthew McCauley, Headman Moostoos, Headman Felix Giroux, and Headman Wee Chee Way Sis.
Charles Neesotasis sought out opportunities to ensure that his descendants were taken care of and were provided opportunities to assert our self- determination. We continue to honour the Treaty and seek to rise in the face of colonialism and its impacts.
Our Nation has been a leader in economic development, and creating opportunities for our members, since the early 1970’s. Assuming office in 1966, and seen as a trail blazer for Indigenous communities’ participation and leadership in the economy, the late Chief Walter Patrick Twinn fought tirelessly to break stereotypes, create opportunities, and be a leader in self-
determination and economic development. This included developing a franchise of hotels in Alberta, securing longstanding relationships within the oil and gas sector, as well as supporting community owned businesses. In addition to leading Sawridge’s early economic development initiatives, the late Chief Walter Patrick Twinn also became the first Treaty Chief Senator in Canada from 1990 until his passing in 1997.
In addition to participating and leading in economic development, our Nation has a significant library of self-governing laws. Passed on August 24, 2009, the Sawridge First Nation Constitution is the cornerstone of our effort to assert and live our rights; some key points include:
- That we record the traditions, customs and practices of the Sawridge First Nation, formerly called the Sawridge Indian Band.
- Family is the foundation of which our community thrives.
- That we live in family-based communities in the territory.
- That there is a shared obligation and responsibility to preserve our culture and language and to pass it on.
- That the land, waters, and natural resources are sacred and essential.
- That we have the inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness.
- That we govern ourselves as a community which is safe, supportive, prosperous, friendly, and caring, and which will always be here for our grandchildren.
- That our traditional values of Love, Honesty, Kindness, Humility, Respect, Truth, Patience, Contribution, Responsibility, Self-Reliance, Independence, Accountability, and Wisdom are evident in all that we do and our pursuits.
- That our right to govern ourselves is recognized both inherently and in Treaty 8.
- That since the signing of Treaty 8, our inherent right has been distorted by the imposition of forced dependency, attitudes of superiority, systems of control, which, through the Constitution we disavow, denounce, and discard.
- That governance be guided by Elders who have the respect and trust of the First Nation; who are known for their wisdom and good judgment; who demonstrate a significant commitment to and knowledge of the history, customs, traditions, cultural and communal life of the First Nation, and who are known for a character and lifestyle that does not cause detriment to the future welfare or advancement of our First Nation.
- Our community has called the Slave Lake region home for time and millennia and have deeply rooted ourselves within the broader area. In partnership with the Town of Salve Lake and the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River, we make up the Tri-Council and helped build the Legacy Centre to ensure that our story and voices are heard and never lost.
In 2011, our community witnessed the destruction of the Slave Lake Forest Fire. Sawridge was able to protect homes and infrastructure due to good emergency management and fire smart practices, which were later acknowledged through Regional Awards. In a spirit of healing and connection we hosted four round dances in memory of what was lost.
Today, the members of Sawridge stand not only as a testament to a profound and unbroken connection to the past, but as a vibrant and dynamic force in the present. We strive to encompass traditional knowledges and ways of being with an understanding of western systems and structures that ensure our voices resonate powerfully in self-determination, environmental stewardship, and cultural reclamation.