Enoch Cree Nation

Geography and Reserves

The Enoch Cree Nation governs two distinct reserve lands within Alberta. The primary and larger reserve is Enoch Cree Nation 135, historically known as Stony Plain 135 Indian Reserve. This reserve spans 5,306.20 hectares (13,111.9 acres) and is situated directly west of and adjacent to the City of Edmonton, with its boundaries surrounded by Parkland County on the north, west, and south. Alberta Highway 60 runs north-south through the centre of this reserve, providing a major transportation corridor. The second, much smaller reserve is designated as Enoch Cree Nation 135A, covering just 2 hectares (4.9 acres). This parcel is located approximately 43 kilometres south of the Town of Barrhead, representing a separate land holding for the Nation. The strategic location of the main reserve next to a major urban centre has influenced the Nation's economic and social development over recent decades. The reserve's official geographical data is recorded in the Geographical Names Data Base maintained by Natural Resources Canada for both the 135 and 135A reserves.

Population and Community

The Enoch Cree Nation has a growing and dynamic population. As of October 2019, approximately 1,800 band members lived on the larger reserve, while others resided elsewhere within the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. The total registered population of the Nation was 2,789 in September 2019. The 2016 Canadian census, which listed the community as "Stony Plain 135 Indian Reserve," recorded an on-reserve population of 1,690 people, marking a 71.2 percent increase from the 987 residents counted in the 2011 census. The community is guided by values drawn from Cree teachings and a collective spirit focused on prosperity. The Nation actively uses digital tools to engage members, offering text message alerts for community events and providing online access to council agendas and minutes. The community describes its core principles as âhkamêyimowin, kiskêyihtamowin, êkwa miyo-wîcêhtowin, which translate to perseverance, knowledge, and living together in a good way.

Historical Background and Treaty

The ancestors of the Enoch Cree Nation are the Plains Cree, traditionally hunter-gatherers on the Canadian plains who later engaged with the fur trade following the establishment of Hudson's Bay Company forts. The earliest known leader was Chief Lapotac, whose band, descended from the Strongwood Cree of the Beaver River area east of Fort Edmonton, was recognized by the Crown in 1842. Leadership passed to his son, Thomas Lapotac, in 1861, forming "Tommy's Band." Following Thomas's death in 1883, his brother Enoch Lapotac became chief. It was Chief Enoch Lapotac who, in 1884, signed Treaty 6, leading to the creation of "Tommy's Reserve," later designated Indian Reserve No. 135. The original reserve encompassed 44 sections of land (110 km²), including vital access to the North Saskatchewan River on its southeast corner. In the early 20th century, the band's land base was drastically reduced through contested surrenders. The following are key dates in the history of these land surrenders.

• January 20, 1902: The northern 12 sections of the original 44-section reserve were surrendered and sold to private, non-First Nation buyers.
• May 13, 1908: An additional 10 sections on the east side of the reserve, including access to the North Saskatchewan River, were surrendered.
• July 29, 1908: The Canadian government officially accepted the May 1908 surrender after its legitimacy was questioned.

The legitimacy of the land surrender in 1908 was questioned at the time. It is disputed whether the band received fair market value for their surrendered land or were even compensated at all. These surrenders remain disputed points in the Nation's history. The band's land mass was reduced by forced surrender in 1902 and 1908 to nearly half of its original size.

Economic Development and Major Ventures

The economy of Enoch Cree Nation has evolved significantly from its early reserve-based agricultural roots. A major shift occurred in 1947 with the discovery of oil on the reserve, which became a primary source of band funding for decades. The downturn in oil prices in 1986 prompted the Nation to strategically diversify its revenue streams away from resource dependency. This strategic shift culminated in October 2006 with the opening of the River Cree Resort and Casino, a $180 million complex located on the northeast corner of the main reserve adjacent to Edmonton. The resort includes a casino, hotel, and sports facilities, representing a major economic engine and employer for the community. The Nation continues to pursue diverse economic opportunities and promotes employment within the community through a dedicated job listings portal on its official website. The Nation also sponsors major events that generate economic activity and cultural pride, such as the annual River Cree Indian Relay Cup, with the sixth annual event presented by the Nation scheduled for September 4-6, 2026.

Land Claims, Environment and Relations with the Crown

A significant chapter in the Nation's modern history involves the settlement of a specific land claim related to the Second World War. The Canadian Department of National Defence used a portion of the Enoch reserve land as a bombing range between 1942 and 1944, during which an estimated 100,000 munitions were dropped. This historical use created long-term safety hazards and restricted land use for decades. The band entered negotiations with the Crown regarding this claim in 2014, the same year a band-owned golf course on the affected land was closed for safety reasons. In 2020, a settlement was reached for $91 million (equivalent to approximately $109.1 million in 2025) to address the trauma caused, fund the cleanup of unexploded ordnance, and compensate for lost income from the closed golf course. This settlement shows ongoing issues of Crown responsibility and environmental stewardship on First Nations lands. The Nation's relationship with other levels of government remains complex, as articulated by council member Charlton Thomas in 2026, who stated that "Our treaties basically trump Canadian law, provincial law," highlighting the ongoing strain and the Nation's firm stance on the primacy of its treaty rights.

Governance, Culture and Contemporary Community Life

Enoch Cree Nation is actively engaged in preserving and promoting its Cree identity, language, and cultural practices while governing its affairs. Governance is led by Chief Cody Thomas and an elected council, who guide the community's policies, economic development, and social programs. The Nation describes itself as a progressive and proud community situated in Central Alberta on Treaty No. 6 Territory, committed to preserving and promoting culture, language, history, and spirituality. It actively seeks to advance the economic, educational, health, and social well-being of its people. The community hosts and sponsors cultural events that draw wide participation. Key community events and initiatives include the following.

• River Cree Indian Relay Cup: An annual event, with the 6th Annual edition presented by Enoch Cree Nation scheduled for September 4-6, 2026.
• Community Text Alerts: A service allowing members to sign up for instant text messages about community events.
• Council Transparency: Online access to council meeting agendas and minutes for member review.
• Traffic Infrastructure Project: Temporary traffic pattern changes announced for October 21, 2026, along a major route.
• Employment Portal: A dedicated section on the official website for browsing current Enoch employment opportunities.

The Enoch Cree Nation actively seeks to preserve and promote its culture, language, history, and spirituality. Members of the Nation are of Cree ancestry and speak the Plains Cree dialect. The band is a signatory of Treaty 6 and is a member of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations. Its chief is Cody Thomas. Contemporary life in maskêkosihk is also defined by proactive community engagement and economic advancement for the well-being of its people.

Notable Members

Notable people from the Enoch Cree Nation include actress Ashley Callingbull-Burnham, who won Miss Universe Canada 2024. Another notable person is ice hockey coach Bill LaForge. Musician Crystle Lightning is also from the Enoch Cree Nation. The achievements of these individuals are a source of pride for the community. They illustrate the wide-ranging contributions of Enoch Cree Nation members to Canadian society.

• Ashley Callingbull-Burnham: An actress and public figure who won the title of Miss Universe Canada in 2024.
• Bill LaForge: A professional ice hockey coach known for his career in the sport.
• Crystle Lightning: A musician and performer established in the entertainment industry.

Community Services and Infrastructure

Enoch Cree Nation provides a range of services and maintains infrastructure to support its members' quality of life. The Enoch Housing Authority is a dedicated entity that works to help community members live comfortably by addressing housing needs. The Nation's official website serves as a central hub for information, offering community members the ability to browse current employment opportunities within the Nation's various enterprises and departments. For civic engagement, the website provides access to council meeting agendas and minutes, allowing members to attend meetings or stay informed about governance decisions. The Nation also utilizes modern communication tools, offering a sign-up service for instant text message alerts about upcoming community events, ensuring widespread dissemination of important information. Infrastructure projects are regularly undertaken, with public advisories issued for developments like the temporary traffic pattern changes planned for October 2026, indicating ongoing work to maintain and improve the reserve's roadways and utilities.

Questions about Enoch Cree Nation

Where is Enoch Cree Nation located?

Enoch Cree Nation is located in central Alberta on Treaty 6 Territory. Its main reserve, Enoch Cree Nation 135, is directly west of and adjacent to the City of Edmonton, bordered by Parkland County. A second, much smaller reserve (135A) is located about 43 kilometres south of the Town of Barrhead. The community's proximity to Edmonton has been a key factor in its economic and social development. The reserve's geographical data is formally recorded in the national Geographical Names Data Base.

Who is the chief of Enoch Cree Nation?

The current chief of the Enoch Cree Nation is Cody Thomas. He leads the band's governance alongside a council of elected members. The council includes individuals like Charlton Thomas, who has been a vocal advocate for the Nation's treaty rights, stating they trump Canadian and provincial law. The chief and council are responsible for guiding the community's policies, economic development, and cultural initiatives as a progressive First Nation government.

What treaty is Enoch Cree Nation part of?

Enoch Cree Nation is a proud signatory to Treaty 6, which it signed in 1884 under the leadership of Chief Enoch Lapotac. As a treaty partner, the Nation is also a member of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations. The band consistently asserts that its treaty rights hold primacy over Canadian and provincial laws, a principle central to its relationship with governments. The Nation identifies itself as a proud member of Treaty 6 territory.

What is the River Cree Resort and Casino?

The River Cree Resort and Casino is a major economic development owned by the Enoch Cree Nation. Opened in October 2006 at a cost of $180 million, it is located on the northeast corner of the main reserve next to Edmonton. The complex includes a casino, hotel, and sports facilities. It was developed to diversify the Nation's economy following a downturn in oil revenues in 1986 and now serves as a significant source of employment, band funding, and community sponsorship for events like the Indian Relay Cup.

What was the $91 million settlement with Canada about?

In 2020, Enoch Cree Nation reached a $91 million settlement with the Canadian government to resolve a specific land claim. The claim concerned the use of reserve land by the Department of National Defence as a bombing range during the Second World War, where 100,000 munitions were dropped between 1942 and 1944. The settlement funds were intended to address community trauma, clean up unexploded ordnance, and compensate for lost income after a band golf course on the land was closed for safety reasons in 2014. The settlement value is equivalent to approximately $109.1 million in 2025 dollars.

How can I find out about events or jobs in Enoch Cree Nation?

Information about events and employment in Enoch Cree Nation is primarily available through its official website and digital channels. The website features a section for browsing current Enoch employment opportunities across its enterprises and administration. For events, the Nation promotes activities like the River Cree Indian Relay Cup and offers a community text alert service that members can sign up for to receive instant messages about events. The website also lists council agendas and minutes for those interested in governance and community meetings.

Sources and further reading

• Enoch Cree Nation (Wikipedia)
• Enoch Cree Nation, First Nations, Proud member of Treaty 6 (enochnation.ca)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-10-30.