Papaschase First Nation
Reclaiming Our Heritage
The band is regrouping after being scattered for so many years since the illegal surrender of their reserve and forced transfer to other bands. This work has begun in earnest with the first election in 1999 of Chief and council to provide representation on behalf of all descendants. Since then the Chief and council have filed a civil lawsuit against the Federal Government of Canada on behalf of all descendants over the alleged illegal surrender of reserve land that was located in the present boundaries of south Edmonton.
Welcome to the History of the Papaschase First Nation
The Papaschase Band, led by Chief Papaschase and his brothers, settled near Edmonton in the late 1850s after migrating from Lesser Slave Lake. In 1877, they signed an adhesion to Treaty 6, which promised land and support. However, government delays and settler opposition, led by Frank Oliver, resulted in only 40 square miles of reserve land being surveyed instead of the promised 49.9. Starvation and broken promises forced many members to accept Métis scrip, losing their treaty rights and reserve. By 1887, most were pressured to join the Enoch Band, while others dispersed to places like Elinor Lake and Lac La Biche. The government's unauthorized sale of lands and failure to uphold treaty obligations inflicted lasting cultural and social harm on Papaschase descendants, whose resilience continues to honor their heritage.
Meet our Official Chief and Council
Chief Calvin Bruneau
Shiela Desjarlais - Councillor
Shiela Desjarlais - Councillor
Chief Bruneau BIO
Shiela Desjarlais - Councillor
Shiela Desjarlais - Councillor
Shiela Desjarlais - Councillor
Shiela Desjarlais BIO
Daniel Deschamps - Councillor
Daniel Deschamps - Councillor
Daniel Deschamps - Councillor
Daniel Deschamps BIO
Shawn Aulotte- Councillor
Daniel Deschamps - Councillor
Daniel Deschamps - Councillor
Shawn Aulotte-Gladue BIO
Papaschase First Nation Investments
Our successful investments include Ote Nikan Papaschase Petro-Canada gas station, and Papaschase Security Services.