Big Island Lake Cree Nation

Big Island Lake Cree Nation (ᒥᐢᑎᑯᐢᑳᐤ ᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ mistikoskâw-sâkahikan, meaning many trees lake) is a Cree First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. They have reserved for themselves one reserve, also called Big Island Lake Cree Nation, within Rural Municipality of Beaver River No. 622.

History
On June 25, 1913, Chief Joseph Bighead, representing the Big Island Lake Cree Nation, also known as Lac Des Isles, signed an adhesion to Treaty 6. Indian Agents got into the habit of referring Big Island Lake as Joseph Bighead’s Band so the name stuck until 2000 when Indian Affairs was reminded to call the Band Big Island Lake Band by its original name of Big Island Lake Cree Nation and its Territory as signed at Treaty Adhesion! Chief Joseph Bighead - Atinistikwan was a leader that choose not to follow anyone and he and his Band continue to be independent of any Tribal Council or Federation believing membership serves to diminish Treaty Rights.