Membership and Land

The Mikisew Cree First Nation was named after their first Chief “Mikisew”, which means Eagle in the Cree language, in 1899. Driven by its Vision 2000, it is an active owner of and participant in numerous business ventures both in Fort Chipewyan and in the region, primarily for its own membership but continually aware of its socio-economic initiatives benefit the whole Fort Chipewyan community.

The band membership is approximately 1898. With the passage of Bill C-31 there was a large increase in the size of the membership. A large percentage of the membership live in urban areas. An outstanding characteristic and strength of the ancestors of the Mikisew Cree First Nation that has been passed on through the ages to their descendants of the present was their vision and unceasing effort towards the future. Today, there is an increasing amount of members enrolled in post-secondary institutions, larger work force and more active involvement in the business sector due to the latter.

The heart of the Mikisew (traditional) lands is located in the center of the Peace-Athabasca Delta. Countless numbers of lakes, rivers, streams, creeks and muskegs that flow from unseen origins and into vast tracts of wilderness that whisper the history of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. Scattered throughout this region are the lands the Mikisew Cree First Nation, which includes 9 reserves:

Old Fort Indian Reserve No. 217 is located along the eastern shoreline of the Athabasca; this reserve serves primarily as the site for cabins and for traditional activities.

Doghead Indian Reserve No. 218 is adjacent to the west of the Hamlet of Fort Chipewyan is very developed. There are 33 homes and 2 business located here.

Allison Bay Indian Reserve No. 219 is located 8 kilometers east of Fort Chipewyan. The site of new and major community infrastructure development currently undergoing construction of a new Water Treatment Plant.

Devil’s Gate Indian Reserve No. 220 is 20 kilometers north of Fort Chipewyan and close to the Riviere Des Rochers. There are several cabins for traditional activities.

Sandy Point Indian Reserve No. 221 is on the north shore of Lake Athabasca and 30 kilometers east of Fort Chipewyan. This reserve has beautiful beaches.

Peace Point Indian Reserve No. 222 is the largest of the reserves. Located on the north shores of Peace River. Has a small community that is home to trappers of the area.

Collin Lake Indian Reserve No. 223 is likely the smallest of the reserves. Located on the north shore of the picturesque Collin Lake.

Cornwall Lake Indian Reserve No. 224 is on the southwest part of an island in Cornwall Lake.

Charles Lake Indian Reserve No. 225 is at the northwest shore of an island in Charles Lake, and it is slightly larger than Cornwall Lake reserve.