Profiles

The First Nations Peoples of the Treaty 6 region have throughout their history witnessed the contributions and achievements of many outstanding individuals. The stories of these remarkable individuals are inspiring and each one speaks to a powerful resilience among the First Nations peoples of Canada; a resilience that has helped preserve their cultures in the face of outside influence. The profiles presented in this section are only a few examples of the numerous contributions that the people of Treaty 6 have made throughout history. J. Wilton Littlechild from the Ermineskin Cree Nation, is included for his work in international law circles, helping to secure the rights of Indigenous Peoples around the world. Lillian Pruden of the Beaver Lake Reserve, on the other hand, led the way to making changes here at home by becoming the first female chief elected in Alberta. The Honorable Ralph E. Steinhauer of Saddle Lake First Nation achieved a different first, becoming the first Aboriginal Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta; while Alex Janvier and Jimmy Herman have each made their mark in the world of visual and performing arts.

Each of these individuals has, in his or her own way, helped to shape the history of Treaty 6 First Nation communities, as well as leaving a lasting mark on Canadian and world history. Their stories illustrate the great accomplishments that First Nation peoples have made and continue to make, both nationally and internationally.