Driftpile First Nation

The Driftpile Cree Nation (or the Driftpile First Nation) (ᒪᐦᑕᐦᑕᑲᐤ ᓯᐱᕀᐩ, mihtatakaw sîpîy) is a Treaty 8 First Nation with a reserve, Drift Pile River 150, located on the southern shore of the Lesser Slave Lake on Alberta Highway 2 in Northern Alberta. The band has approximately 1200 members.

Pre-treaty era (Before 1899)

 * The community was located opposite Lakeshore.
 * The Lac St Anne Pilgrimage commenced in 1889.
 * The Catholic Church began its influence in the territory.
 * Grouard was under consideration as the potential capital city.
 * The reserve boundaries were irregular, with rumors suggesting that Chief Kinosayo designed them while intoxicated.

1899–1950

 * Chief Kinosayo ratified Treaty 8 in 1899.
 * Originally named Band 150, it was later restructured into Bands 150A, 150B, and 150C.
 * The exact time of Sawridge's separation remains unclear.
 * Grandfather George Okimaw educated the Driftpile community on agricultural practices.
 * Women played crucial roles, from water and waste management to tanning hides, producing clothing, and childcare.
 * Many families had expansive gardens, a practice that continues.
 * Traditional hide tanning methods were prevalent.
 * To enlist in the military or to gain certain benefits, Indigenous adults were forced to renounce their tribal status.
 * Indian agents were deemed deceptive, although no specific incidents are remembered.
 * Mandatory attendance began at several Residential Schools in 1921:
 * St. Bruno's in Joussard (1913–1969), segregated with priest training.
 * St. Bernard's in Grouard (1894–1957).
 * St. Martin's/St. Theresa in Desmarais and St. John's in Wabasca (both 1902–1973).
 * The Cree language began its decline due to the influence of Residential Schools.
 * Families would pay a quarter for transportation (horse and wagon) to bring their children home.
 * Around 1905, Grouard was reconsidered as the potential capital of Alberta.
 * The community witnessed the construction of paved roads in the 1960s.
 * Driftpile was recognized as a nation in 1904, leading to an expansion of the reserve.

1951–2000

 * George Cunningham advocated for prioritizing children's needs.
 * The Lac St Anne pilgrimage, initiated by Peter, began around 1996.
 * Local talents included Stan Isadore, a World Champion Fancy Dancer (circa 1980) and Petey Chalifoux, a Champion Hoop Dancer (2001).
 * The community sported teams like the Swingers and Warriors ball teams.
 * Infrastructure improvements included a fire hall (1988–1990) and a new school, Mitatikaw Sipiy School, in 1996.
 * The area faced several challenges, including floods in 1986 and 1996. Post the 1996 flood, a dike system was installed.
 * Environmental concerns arose with the establishment of the Swan Hills Treatment Facility in the 1990s and the Creosote Ties Plant, linked to cancer incidents.
 * The iconic Blue Bridge, constructed by the Dominion Bridge Company in 1954, is now a heritage site.
 * The community saw advances in living standards, with the entire community gaining access to indoor plumbing by 1997.
 * The Driftpile emblem underwent revision in the early 1990s.
 * The era witnessed the 1960s scoop and the initiation of the Traditional Pow Wow in 1986 by Rosemary Beaver.

2001–2021

 * Kinosayo's artworks were recreated, narrating the story of a medallion's acquisition by the Sawridge band.
 * Peter and Clifford Freeman commenced their pilgrimage to Lac St Anne on horseback in 2001.
 * The Lakeshore Regional Police has been operational since 2010.
 * In 2010, an advisory warned against pregnant women consuming fish from the lake due to mercury contamination.
 * The DCN Monument, featuring mosaic art, was built by Wayne Ashley in 2013. Ashley died in 2019.
 * Rose Laboucan led as Chief from 2008–2018, remembered for her powerful advocacy and eloquence.
 * Medical facilities improved with the Maggie Willier Wellness Centre in 1999.
 * Drinking water advisories were issued between 2011 and 2013, leading to a class-action lawsuit.
 * The Cows and Plows/Agricultural Benefits were distributed in 2020.
 * The community acknowledged successful individuals like Dale Giroux, Billy Ray Belcourt, Rose Laboucan, Pauline Giroux, and Justin Gerard Pahara.
 * In 2022, Michael Auger dedicated a monument to the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) initiative, and the community backed the Red Dress Initiative.
 * Driftpile garnered a nomination for a Business Leadership Award in 2019.

2022–2023

 * Pope Francis visited Mascwacis in 2022, rendering an official apology with a mass at Commonwealth. DCN elders were in attendance.
 * Driftpile received accolades for its Wastewater Treatment Plant.
 * Chief Kinosayo Awasak Mikwap was instituted in 2023, marking a milestone for Child and Family Services.
 * Notable developments included the construction of a Healing Lodge, the opening of the Travel Centre/Diner 450, and the community's contemplation of repurposing the church.
 * Theresa Campio ran another marathon in 2023, adorned in a ribbon skirt, and was also honored with the Queen's Jubilee award.
 * Land acquisition continued with a private 1/4 section purchased in 2004, which the community hopes to integrate into the reserve.

Future prospects

 * The DCN has laid out a Strategic Development Plan for 2023–2038.
 * A significant event is slated for June 23–25, where unidentified graves from the Joussard IRS will be recognized.