| People | Cree |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty 6 |
| Headquarters | James Smith Cree Nation |
| Province | Saskatchewan |
| Land[1] | |
| Reserve(s) | Chakastaypasin 98 |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
| On reserve | 0 |
| Total population | Disputed |
| Government[1] | |
| Chief | Calvin Sanderson |
| Website | |
| jamessmithcreenation.com | |
TheChakastaypasin First Nation (also spelledChakastapaysin,Chacastapasen) is a partially recognizedFirst Nationsband government in centralSaskatchewan,Canada.[1]
In 1876, Chief Chakastaypasin and four headmen signedTreaty 6 atFort Carlton, formally ceding theirIndigenous title to the British Crown. In the late 1880s, the band was resident in theFort de la Corne area.
In 1898, the Department of Indian Affairs alleged that all of Chakastaypasin's band was absent from theirIndian reserve, and its membership had been completely transferred into other bands. This assertion meant that Chakastaypasin had legally ceased to exist, and the federal government sold the Chakastaypasin reserve to white landowners.[2]
Chakastaypasin descendants, incorporated into the nearbyJames Smith Cree Nation, remained active and aware of their history. In 1998, these members launched a claim against the Government of Canada, asserting that the Chakastaypasin surrender and sale was unlawful. In May 1999, the Indian Claims Commission conducted an inquiry, which the Government of Canada has not challenged.[2]
In the year 2000, the full membership of the James Smith Cree Nation conducted a vote to resurrect Chakastaypasin and thePeter Chapman First Nation. The vote passed, and James Smith now officially recognizes the 1898 amalgamation as invalid.[3] Today, Chakastaypasin descendants elect their own Chief and Council, although they are not recognized by the federal government.[1]