Chiefs Messages

Chief Daniel Blackstar was born and raised on the Moosomin First Nation. He attended College and received his Journeyman Certificate in Carpentry in 1978; He started his own company Blackstar Contracting and worked throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta. His Company was instrumental in helping develop numerous residential and commercial properties in North Battleford. Prior to being elected as Chief of Moosomin First Nation, He survived a serious accident and suffered injuries that prevented him to continue to work in the Carpentry Trade. He then decided that he was going to run for Chief of his First Nation and work to help make a difference within his community. Danny resides on Moosomin First Nation with his Wife and three children, and continues to be committed to the betterment of his community.

Chief Ben Weenie is currently Chief of the Young Chippewayan First Nation (Stoney Knoll). Ben has taken many roles in First Nation Community leadership development. He is presently working on the Stoney Knoll land claim and is making progress in that area. His past employment experiences range from policy Development, Counseling and prevention, developing Strategies in social programming and various other social and health initiatives. Bens Education includes gambling intervention, intervention assessment treatment, board of directors training, Nechi training, management training, facilitator, employment counseling, and Grade 12 diploma. His awards and recognitions include the Battlefords District Multi Cultural Council Award (1996) and the Canadian Aboriginal Award (Culture Category). Ben is committed to assisting and developing cultural appropriate programs to meet the needs of First Nations as well a sound and responsible staff providing service to First Nations. He has a large family and resides at Sweetgrass First Nation and has a very keen and active interest in Native Culture activities.

Chief Wayne Standinghorn has served as Chief of Sweetgrass First Nation for a total 14 years. Most recently re- elected in 2007, he is committed to the development of his First Nation in all areas including health, education, recreation, housing and economic development. Prior to entering his years in leadership he operated his own sand/gravel business. He also was sports and recreation coordinator in the late 70's to the early 80's. Wayne served on Sweetgrass council from 1980- 1983, and then was elected chief in 1989 and served for ten years. He was re-elected in 2005 and served consecutive terms to present. Throughout his tenure, Wayne has sat on a wide variety of boards such as, SIIT, FNUC, NNADAP, BTCIHC, and Indian Gaming Regulators. Wayne is the father of three and resides at the Sweetgrass First Nation. Wayne is a firm believer in the preservation of Treaties.

Chief Larry Davis Ahenakew B.A., Chief of the Ahtahkakoop First Nation, was born and raised on the Ahtahkakoop First Nation. He represents the Battleford Agency Tribal Council Inc. Chief Ahenakew attended and graduated from the Shell lake School of Shell lake, Saskatchewan. He went on to pursue a higher level of education and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, obtaining a Native Studies Degree with a Minors in Sociology, Political Studies and Commerce. He entered into the workforce with his band as Director of Post Secondary, Education Coordinator, and Director of Social Development. He then ran for political office at his reserve as Band Councilor for twelve years, before deciding to run for Chief. He successfully became Chief upon his first time running for office and completing a three year term and recently became re- elected by his people. He is a firm believer in accountability and transparency in all levels of government. Being transparent is something that Chief Ahenakew and his council have worked towards. Chief Ahenakew and his wife Iona, have one daughter named Stacy and son in law, Dustin, also one beautiful granddaughter that makes all his hectic, stressful job a joy, a joy to come home to at the end of the day!

Chief Stuart Baptiste text to come...