ONIHCIKISKWAPOWIN

kiskinowahamakosiwin ekwa
kiskinowahamtowin
wiyasiwwin

LAST DATE REVIEWED & EDITED: May 10, 2016 VERSION 5

SLCN Education Law 2013

SLCN Education Law 2013

Table of Contents
PREAMBLE ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Philosophy of Education ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Vision ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Mission Statement .................................................................................................................................................... 6
ONIHCIKISKWAPOWIN EDUCATION LAW ..................................................................................................................... 8
Spirit and Intent ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Intent of the Law ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
Interpretation ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
ONIHCIKISKWAPOWIN JURISDICTION/GOVERNANCE ............................................................................................ 12
ONIHCIKISKWAPOWIN EDUCATION AUTHORITY .................................................................................................... 13
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARD ................................................................................................................. 13
ONIHCIKISKWAPOWIN SCHOOL STUDENT ELIGIBILITY ........................................................................................ 14
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION ELIGIBILITY ................................................................................................................. 15
CURRICULUM ......................................................................................................................................................................... 15
STANDARDS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 16
FINANCE TREATY OBLIGATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 16
STUDENTS .............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
STUDENT MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................................................. 17
POST SECONDARY AND HIGHER LEARNING ............................................................................................................... 17
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES AND PROGRAMS ............................................................................................................ 17
APPENDIX I: Part I Chief & Council Band Council Resolution ........................................................................ 18
APPENDIX I: Part II - Chief & Council Band Council Resolution (Text Version) ............................................... 20
APPENDIX II: The Turtle Lodge: Our Way of Life: Indigenous Education ...................................................... 23
APPENDIX III: SLCN Constitution ....................................................................................................................... 31
APPENDIX III: SLCN Constitution (Text Version) ................................................................................................ 32
APPENDIX IV: Our Land Law Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Onihcikiskwapowin) ................................................... 38
APPENDIX V: Information Brief On First Nations Education Act (For onichikiskwapowin Elders) ................... 42
APPENDIX VI: onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Land Use Policy ............................................................................... 43

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APPENDIX VII: Education Policy (update) ........................................................................................................... 43
APPENDIX VIII: Financial Policy ......................................................................................................................... 43
APPENDIX IX: Transportation Policy (update) .................................................................................................... 43
APPENDIX X: Elders Council .............................................................................................................................. 43
APPENDIX XI: Womens Council ......................................................................................................................... 43
APPENDIX XII: Mens Council ............................................................................................................................. 43
APPENDIX XIII: Youth Council ............................................................................................................................ 43
REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................................... 44
RESOURCES .......................................................................................................................................................... 45

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kiskinowahamakosiwin ekwa kiskinowahamtowin
wiyasiwwin
PREAMBLE
The onihcikiskwapowin - Saddle Lake Cree Nation (SLCN) Constitution (2003) (Appendix III)
is the foundational document from which all onihcikiskwapowin Laws derive. Under the
Constitution (2003), the Peoples of onihcikiskwapowin grant the onkanwak the authority to set
out laws.
Indigenous Peoples have never relinquished nor extinguished jurisdiction over our right to
educate our children. This is referenced in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples (Appendix II: Turtle Lodge Treaty under 5.1-5.3, 2013).
Our jurisdiction exceeds the boundaries of our reserved lands and includes lands that fall within
the Nation-to-Nation 1867 Treaty No. 6 as recognized in our oral understanding of Treaty.
Therefore, we maintain that Canada and the province of Alberta have no jurisdiction over our
lands and Peoples.
Further, our Peoples understand that our lands and laws are inherent rights given to us by our
Creator. The Treaty rights promised to us during Treaty making are portable and are in addition
to our inherent right.
onihcikiskwapowin has a history of self-determination and sovereignty in the jurisdiction over
education. Our Peoples led the takeover of Blue Quills in 1970 as the first Indigenous controlled
and owned school in the world.

Philosophy of Education
We the Peoples of onihcikiskwapowin - Saddle Lake Cree Nation have a firm belief in Natural
Law (kindness, honesty, sharing, determination), which guides and maintains our distinct way of
life. We are committed to
kiskinohamakosowin ekwa kiskinohamasowiwin ekwa mina kiskinohamtowin, guided by
Natural Law to ensure esohkahk nhiyaw mamintoneycikan.

Vision
Education is a Treaty right and the onihcikiskwapowin (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) Education
Authority will, through continuous development, maintenance, accountability, provide quality
education, which will encompass healthy lifestyles, traditions, language, culture and modern

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technology and shall utilize Indigenous knowledges of First Nations Peoples to promote selfsufficiency and empower onihcikiskwapowin (Saddle Lake Cree Nation).

Mission Statement
The onihcikiskwapowin Saddle Lake Cree Nation (SLCN) is committed to nurturing
wholeness in the individual and the community through our nhiyaw learning processes. We
offer personalized learning experiences for the benefit of all generations: past, present, future.
Under the principles outlined in our Constitution (2003), the onihcikiskwapowin (Saddle
Lake Cree Nation) is exercising our inherent right as a Sovereign Nation to control our
own destiny. As a Nation we possess the ability to exercise control and direction over the
education of each generation as set out in the nhiyaw laws of miyo-opihkinwasiwin,
whkhtowin and many others that are not written but found in our ceremonies. This is a
living document that will evolve to meet the educational needs and aspirations of our
Nation now and in the future.
This Education Law gives voice to onihcikiskwapowin Peoples inherent right and responsibility
as confirmed by our sacred inherent knowledge that is maintained, recognized and exercised by
individuals and the collective of the onihcikiskwapowin. These values are upheld by The Turtle
Lodge Treaty: Our Way of Life: Indigenous Education (Appendix II).
This Education Law is in conformity with the negotiation and conclusion of Treaty No. 6, the
treaty we made with the Crown in Right of Great Britain and witnessed by the Creator. The
Government of Canadas legal obligation to uphold treaty on behalf of the Crown; therefore must
provide sufficient resources to meet the needs to educate onihcikiskwapowin as understood at the
time of Treaty No. 6. (1876).
This Education Law provides the authority to operate the education system in
onihcikiskwapowin. onkanwak of the onihcikiskwapowin have delegated the operation of
education to the SLCN Education Authority empowered under the onihcikiskwapowin
Constitution. onihcikiskwapowin mandates the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education
Authority to carry out the provisions of this document.
This law guides and directs the education of each student as a clan or relational obligation as
understood and applied by each Indigenous Nation within a living tradition where the student is
the center of the Nation. Indigenous jurisdiction and authority of teaching, language, and practice
is a lifelong right and obligation. It is the original educational system in a relational-based
context and is enduring. The operational mechanism for implementing this Education Law is
contained in the accompanying regulations (Saddle Lake Cree Nation Education Policy Manual)
or other policy as approved by the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN).
With respect to onihcikiskwapowin Education, as defined by this wiyasiwwin
(Law) and the Regulations of the Education Authority, this wiyasiwwin (Law)

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replaces any other wiyasiwwinak (Laws), which have been formerly passed
by the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) or any regulatory bodies.
A LAW RESPECTING PRE-SCHOOL, ELEMENTARY, PRIMARY, SECONDARY, POSTSECONDARY, UNIVERSITY, VOCATIONAL, PROFESSIONAL, SPECIAL AND ADULT
EDUCATION, AND RELATED AUXILIARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, INCLUDING
ALL INDIGENOUS EDUCATIONAL TEACHINGS WHICH HONOUR HOLISTIC LIFE
LONG LEARNING FOR THE ONIHCISKISKWAPOWIN - SADDLE LAKE CREE
NATION.

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ONIHCIKISKWAPOWIN EDUCATION LAW

1. This Law may be preferably cited as the onihcikiskwapowin Education Law or
substituted for the Saddle Lake Cree Nation Education Law:
kiskin(o)wahamakosiwin ekwa kiskin(o)wahamtowin wiyasiwwin

Spirit and Intent

In the spirit of nistameyimkanak (the original Peoples), prior to the signing of Treaty No. 6, the
SLCN shall once again achieve the highest standards of excellence in our lifelong learning.

Intent of the Law

2. This Law gives effect to the sovereign will of the onihcikiskwapowin (Saddle Lake
Cree Nation) of Treaty No. 6 Territory to:
a) Implement Treaty No. 6 as understood by our forefathers who made Treaty
with the Crown of Great Britain to govern ourselves and to continue our
nhiyaw way of life. The Crown has a legal obligation to finance the
maintenance of our already existing practice of exercising our inherent right to
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education, kiskinowahamakosiwin ekwa
kiskinowahamtowin wiyasiwwin;
b) Retain, maintain, and evaluate our own comprehensive lifelong system of
education of our collective nhiyaw inherent rights and responsibilities as
Indigenous Peoples;
c) Educate our Peoples by:
i) providing curriculum for our Peoples to have a firm grounding in the
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) worldview to realize esohkak nhiyaw
mamitoneyicikan, nhiyawewin, ekwa nhiyawiwin/ strong nhiyaw
minds, nhiyawewin and nhiyaw ways of being;
ii) striving to be good spiritual human beings in order to reach
nistaweyimisowin, our fullest potential and achieving peace and
harmony with self and Creation;
iii) encouraging our Peoples of all ages to seize the opportunities and
solve the problems within our lives;
iv) providing the means to achieve the highest Indigenous Knowledge and
western academic standards.
v) working for the spiritual, social, economic, and political development
of our Peoples and nation, to contribute to whkhtowin.

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Interpretation
Interpretation of Term
3. In this Law:
a) Crown means the sacred covenant/ accord (kihci -asotomatowin) made by
our ancestors and visionaries in Treaty No. 6 with the Crown in Right of Great
Britain and witnessed by the Creator. The Treaty relationship is an
international treaty and identifies the legal obligation of the Government of
Canada as the Successor State to fund all aspects of education for the
onihcikiskwapowin Peoples as one of the Treaty promises;
b) Cultural Standards defined as standards adopted and set for Program
Graduates, Instructional Practice, Curriculum Design, Operational
Characteristics, and Parent /Nation Involvement based on nhiyaw
mamitoneyicikan;
c) Education Authority is defined as an appointed body ratified by the
onkanwak to oversee and administer Education for onihcikiskwapowin
(SLCN) members and onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education Institutions;
d) Elders Council means a council of Elders appointed through our traditional
protocol practices that serve as an advisory body for onicikiskwapowin. This
body also consists of knowledge keepers;
e) Faculty means the collective teaching staff including instructional
assistants and any other staff;
f) Fiscal year means a period of twelve consecutive calendar months between
certain fixed dates, which will be used by the Education Authority for the
purpose of budgets, finance, and accounts;
g) Guardian/ Caregiver means a person who is not the natural parent of a
child and who assumed responsibility for the care of that child;
h) Holistic is defined as including land, animals, persons, and all that is living.
i) Home Schooling means the method of instruction chosen by the parent(s)
and/ or guardian(s) in accordance with the provisions of this law. Funding for
homeschooling also follows the child;
j) Indigenous Knowledge means knowledge that comes from kise manitow
(our Creator) that is retained by knowledge keepers and developed by our own
Peoples;
k) Institute means an educational establishment in which training is given in
the trades and technologies, professions, arts, cultural ceremonies or in which
research is undertaken;
l) Instructor means a professional person or a technician who holds a valid
certificate of qualification as approved by onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN)

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certification standards to teach, lecture, demonstrate, or research in his/her
applicable area of knowledge, wisdom and experience: this includes elders
and knowledge keepers;
m) Jurisdictional mandate onicikiskwapowin judicial authority will prevail in
all areas of education;
n) kihci asotomatowin means the sacred covenant/ accord;
o) Life-long Education is the life span of an individual guided by the
collective responsibility of the Nation from conception to end of their circle of
life;
p) Mens Council means a council and/ or group of men comprised of future
fathers, fathers, grandfathers, guardian(s) who serve as an advisory body for
onicikiskwapowin;
q) nhiyaw tipahamawakan a person who is recognized by the customary
law of onicikiskwapowin. It denotes the link between the person and the
sovereignty of the onicikiskwapowin;
r) nistaweyimisowin means the Original Peoples of the lands;
s) onihcikiskwapowin means the nhiyawewin name for the reserve of
Saddle Lake meaning mirage on the lake;
t) onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) onkanwak means the okimaw (Chief) and
onkanwak (SLCN Headpersons) in accordance with the onihcikiskwapowin
(SLCN) Constitution which states the governing authority flows from and is
dependent upon the will of the Peoples;
u) onihcikiskwapowinowak`` means the Saddle Lake Cree Nation Peoples
v) onkanwak means part of the leadership body as Headpersons;
w) oskapewsak in reference to Men`s Council
x) oskiyak means young people. A Youth Council comprised of young
Peoples who attend onicikiskwapowin schools to advise the Nation on matters
related to education.
y) Parent(s) means the child(s) first teacher in accordance with the Creators
laws of miyo opihkinwasiwin and whkhtowin; and parent(s) agree to share
their inherent jurisdiction over education of their children with SLCN;
z) Parent(s)/ Mentors Council means a body of parent(s) and/ or guardian(s)
whose children attend onicikiskwapowin schools and/or have a vested interest
in matters related to education;
aa) Peoples references recognition of Indigenous Peoples, tribal peoples
etc in International law within United Nations as a collective peoples and not
an individual as per defined in human rights within & pertaining to the United
Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Indigenous peoples have a collective and individual right to maintain and

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develop their distinct identities and characteristics, including the right to
identify themselves as indigenous and to be recognized as such. (United
Nations document: PFII/2004/WS.1/3)
bb) Regulatory bodies means a regulatory agency (also regulatory authority,
regulatory body or regulator) is a public authority or government agency
responsible for exercising autonomous authority over some area of human
activity in a regulatory or supervisory capacity.
cc) School means a place for lifelong learning, which serves
kiskinowahamakanahk within an educational institution governed by the
Education Authority and those institutions attended by members in which
members have access to training;
dd) SLCN Land Use1 means the land use reserved for the education of
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) students; this includes the buildings and
resources, as well as cultural sites. These educational lands are based on our
inherent authority and responsibility including the lands that have been
reserved through the making of Treaty with the British Crown. All
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Peoples have a responsibility to care for the
onihcikiskwapowin Territory;
ee) Sovereign(ty) Indigenous Nations independent and governing themselves
under their own laws and/or is understood in jurisprudence as the full right
and power of a governing body to govern itself without any interference from
outside sources or bodies;
ff) Standards - provide definition of standard to coincide with Indigenous
standards;
gg) Student means a person that embarks on lifelong learning from the time of
conception to end of their circle of life;
hh) Superintendent means a director of onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN)
Education, hired by the onkanwak, accountable to the Education Authority
Board and onkanwak;
ii) Teacher means a professional person holding a valid certificate approved
by SLCN certification standards to teach in the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN)
educational institutions; SLCN standards are contained in the regulations;
jj) Treaty No. 6 insert oral & written
kk) University nuhelotne thaiyots nistameyimkanak Blue Quills
UnnBQ
ll) Valid Certificate of Qualification means onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN)
certification based on Indigenous Knowledge inclusive of nhiyawewin,
inherent and written laws of onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN);

1

Appendix II: SLCN Land Use Policy

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mm) Womens Council means a council and/ or group of women comprised
of future mothers, mothers, grandmothers, guardian(s) who serve as an
advisory body for onicikiskwapowin; and
nn) Youth Council- see oskiyak

ONIHCIKISKWAPOWIN JURISDICTION/GOVERNANCE
All power and authority is invested in the will of the Peoples. The Peoples will mandate
onkanwak to enact legislation in the area of Life Long Learning.
Exclusively of Law
4. The onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) onkanwak exercise control of education
exclusively by this Law;
5. and in accordance with the provisions of this Law and SLEA, will negotiate in
accordance to Treaty No. 6;
Management Structure of Education Authority
6. The management structure of Education shall consist of an Education Authority:
a) onkanwak/Portfolio
b) onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education Board
c) Superintendent
d) Post-Secondary
e) Principals
f) Daycare
g) Transportation
h) Cultural Education
Educational Shared Control
7. Notwithstanding its administrative autonomy, the Education Authority will:
a) exercise policy implementation through the procedures provided in this Law
whereby the Education Plan and Regulations (Policies) of the Board must be
approved by the onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak;
b) have financial accountability exercised by the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN)
onkanwak and through the provisions of this Law whereby the budgets
prepared by the Education Authority, will require the approval of the
onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak;
c) provide accreditation, where required, by our own recognized entity (ex:
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) accreditation body, a tribal college, a tribal
university, and/ or a National Indigenous Accreditation Board/WINHEC),
Elders Council and approved by the onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak; and
d) consult with Advisory Groups such as, Womens, Mens, Elders and Youth
Councils in matters related to miyo-opihkiniwasiwin and whkhtowin. All
Advisory Groups includes Two-Spirited and Transgender.
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8. The Education Authority will provide all statutory reports, audits, and evaluations to
the onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak.

ONIHCIKISKWAPOWIN EDUCATION AUTHORITY

Saddle Lake Education Authority (SLEA)
9. onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) shall have one Education Authority Board and shall
consist of five (5) members plus one (1) onkanew selected through the Board
Renewal Process and ratified by the onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak.
10. Management structure to oversee day-to-day operations.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARD

Responsibilities
11. Subject to the over-riding authority of onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak and its
Constitution, the Education Authority shall be responsible for:
a) the formulation of education policies and approval of accompanying
procedures;
b) the personnel management of all education staff including administrative
staff; and may delegate the hiring of temporary educational staff;
c) the development, organization, and monitoring of all education programs as
they relate to students and faculty. Accreditation is as determined by the
recognized Authority (i.e. own educated onichkiskwapowinowak and/or
University nuhelotne thaiyots nistameyimkanak Blue Quills - UnnBQ,
National Indigenous Accreditation Board), Elders Council;
d) the monitoring of all education activities to align with the Education Policy
Manual, previously established onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) policies, and the
terms and conditions for local control of education;
e) the monitoring of all educational expenditures by following a locally
developed Financial Policy;
f) financial reporting shall be done on a quarterly basis;
g) reviewing staff qualifications and local teacher certification qualifications; and
ensuring that educational assets are managed and inventoried properly. This
includes all forms of insurance (capital items, student, staff liability, vehicular,
etc.).
Policy Issues Powers
12. In matters of Education Policy, the Board shall:
a) govern itself according to the intent of this Law and the regulations of the
Education Authority;
b) advise the onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak by preparing policy options and
education plans for consideration based on community/parental input;
c) make itself aware of the Laws and policies of the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN);

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d) make itself aware of forces, circumstances, issues and trends which might
affect the educational policies and programs of the onihcikiskwapowin
(SLCN);
e) review the objectives and needs and evaluate the progress of
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education;
f) prepare an onihcikiskwapowin Education Annual Plan and reviewed annually
which includes the following:
i) attends to the spiritual beliefs of the onihcikiskwapowin and to its
social, cultural, economic, and political objectives;
ii) identifies the housing, sanitation, nutritional, general health, and safety
needs of the onihcikiskwapowinowak that relates to the
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) educational programs;
iii) contains an analysis of the present and future social, economic, and
political circumstances of the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) with
particular reference to its future technological, professional, skilled
and general labour requirements;
iv) reflects the objectives of onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak;
v) estimates the future requirements of onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN)
Educational institutions, programs, staffing, facilities and auxiliary
services in onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) based on student projections;
vi) budget and estimates the costs and cash-flow requirements of the
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education Plan;
g) submit the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education Plan for approval to the
onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak;
h) prepares annual budgets, financial accounts, operational reports, and
evaluations (inclusive of salaries) to be carried out as required by and in
accordance with the provisions of this Law; and
i) advise the onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak regarding the compulsory
attendance of school-aged children, and counsel truant students, their parent(s)
or guardian(s), family and friends and issue attendance orders to the students
and their parent(s) or guardian(s).
i) In the case of non-compliance by the students or their parent(s) or
guardian(s), make a report to the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN)
government and the personnel of the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCNs)
social, justice or other auxiliary and appropriate services and have
consequences that impact the truant students TO continue their
education.

ONIHCIKISKWAPOWIN SCHOOL STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

13. onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education Authority will determine and recognize the
eligibility of its members based on K-12 and Post-Secondary policy and criteria.

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STUDENT TRANSPORTATION ELIGIBILITY

14. Bussing will be provided for onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) students attending
onihcikiskwapowin schools under SLEA.

CURRICULUM
Curriculum
15. The Education Authority shall be responsible for supporting the lifelong learning of
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) students ensuring that all educational entities, which
come under their jurisdiction, shall follow a curriculum that is consistent with and
supports the aims and objectives of onihcikiskwapowin.
School Curriculum
16. The curriculum for schools shall be constituted as follows:
a) core programming prescribed by the Education Authority;
i) of cultural and traditional Indigenous knowledge including
onihcikiskwapowin history, Treaty and nhiyawewin as approved by
the Elders Council and ratified by the Education Authority; and
ii) of onihcikiskwapowin laws;
Definition Education
17. The content of onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education will include nhiyawiwin
traditional practices, and history. This will include beliefs, attitudes, values and
practices, which are implicit in the integrated onihcikiskwapowin worldview. This
worldview shall be the context and give meaning to every subject taught in the
Education Authoritys schools.
Spirituality
18. In the matter of iyinw tapowaketamowin (spirituality):
a) onihcikiskwapowin tapowaketamowin will be considered an integral aspect of
the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) way of life, it will be included as part of the
curriculum of every school, college, university, and institute of the Education
Authority to the extent and in a manner which the Education Authority will
determine, and
b) onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) ceremonies will be practiced in the Education
Authoritys schools to the extent and in a manner, which the Education
Authority and Elders Council will determine.
SLCN Languages
19. In the matter of onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Languages:
a) preservation and continuation of nhiyawewin is priority;
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b) it is mandatory that every school will teach nhiyawewin as part of its
academic curriculum and will encourage students to use nhiyawewin as their
first language:
c) the teaching and administrative staff of every school will use nhiyawewin as
their language at work and to the greatest possible extent consistent with the
efficient working environment of the school and the broad educational
interests of the students.

STANDARDS
20. The Education Authority will determine Cultural Standards and all other standards
acceptable in the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) schools.
21. Educational Standards will reflect onihcikisiskwapowin (SLCN) values, beliefs, and
cultural practices.
22. The content of onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education will include nhiyawiwin
traditional practices, and history. This will include beliefs, attitudes, values and
practices, which are implicit in the integrated onihcikiskwapowin worldview. This
worldview shall be the context and give meaning to every subject taught in the
Education Authoritys schools.

FINANCE TREATY OBLIGATIONS

Cost of Education
23. All onihcikiskwapowinowak will have the right to attend school within the Nations
Education System pursuant to Treaty No. 6 (1876).
24. The Treaty obligations of the Crown of Great Britain and the Government of Canada
are legally obligated to fund education, that is equitable and/or equal to or above
surrounding off-reserve schools.
Application Crown Funds
25. onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) has a claim on the Government of Canada for funds
received for Education and will advance that claim exclusively through the
onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak and according to the provisions of this Law and the
regulated procedures of the Education Authority.
26. Upon final ratification by the onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak will obtain funds from
the Crown through Treaty 6 obligations. The funding agreements will allow the
Education Authority the greatest possible degree of discretion in the use of such funds
within the limits of this Law and according to the regulated procedures of the
Education Authority.
27. Any and all funds designated for onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education by the
Government of Canada will be received, in the first instance, by the
onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak, then, transferred to an Education account. The

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Board will use the funds exclusively for onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education
according to terms under which the funds will be provided and according to the
budgets and plans formulated by the Education Authority (financial management
policy):
a) The Education Authority shall ensure that equitable financial due diligence is
followed so they do not incur a deficit. Any deficit must be planned and
approved by the onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak.
b) There should be at minimum, equitable finances to meet the educational needs
of all the school age children who attend on reserve.

STUDENTS
28. See and reference onihcikiskwapowin (SLEA) Education Policy

STUDENT MANAGEMENT
29. See and reference onihcikiskwapowin (SLEA) Education Policy

POST SECONDARY AND HIGHER LEARNING

30. Pursuant to the Treaty Right of Post Secondary Education, the Saddle Lake Post
Secondary (SLPS) program will facilitate and administer Post Secondary Education
for onicikiskwapowinowak, provide career counselling and financial assistance for
students; it will be the students` responsibility to achieve personal success and
academic excellence.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES AND PROGRAMS

Relation to Constituent Boards
31. The establishment of any new educational institutes or programs, which are not the
direct responsibility of the onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak, shall be the responsibility
of the Education Authority. The Charter of such institutions shall provide for a
governing board, which will provide academic objectives and criteria consistent with
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) beliefs and practices.
32. The Education Authority may take whatever action it deems necessary and advisable
to ensure that the boards of any new institutions observe the Spirit and Intent of this
Law and the regulations of the Education Authority and the boards of institutions
shall comply with any decision or regulation of the Education Authority.

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APPENDIX I: Part I Chief & Council Band Council Resolution

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APPENDIX I: Part II - Chief & Council Band Council Resolution (Text Version)
AFFIRMING THAT The Government of the onihcikiskwapowin (Saddle
Lake Cree Nation) has mandated the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education
Authority to the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education Law (2013):
kiskinowahamakosiwin ekwa
kiskinowahamtowin wiyasiwwin;
ASSERTING THAT the best interests of our children and families are paramount and where
onihcikiskwapowin parents have the right and a responsibility to make decisions
respecting kahkyaw - e-miciminitmakahki (Lifelong Education) of their
children and themselves;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT this wiyasiwwin (law) shall be guided by and shall
incorporate the following principles and considerations:

1) onihcikiskwapowin (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) has the sovereign inherent

right and jurisdiction to educate onihcikiskwapowin Peoples pursuant to
Article 14 (1) of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
(UNDRIP) states: Indigenous Peoples have the right to establish and control their
education systems and institutions providing education in their own languages, in a manner
appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning and the UNDRIP in its
entirety.
2) Treaty No. 6 recognized that right by entitling the onihcikiskwapowin
(Saddle Lake Cree Nation) to receive from the Crown, funds and everything else necessary to
develop and maintain a comprehensive system of education that will not disturb but will
enhance the onihcikiskwapowin (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) way of life.
3) Her Majesty agrees to maintain schools for instruction in such reserves hereby made as to
Her Government of the Dominion of Canada may seem advisable, whenever the Indians of
the reserve shall desire it. Therefore, onihcikiskwapowin (Saddle Lake
Cree Nation) paid in advance for the educational entitlement by providing for the Crowns
use of vast tracts of rich onihcikiskwapowin lands.
4) The onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education system shall be comprehensive
to include kahkyaw - e-miciminitmakahki (Lifelong Education) in
schools, colleges, universities, institutes, and educational programs serving the
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN).

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5) The onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education system shall be controlled by the
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Peoples in the following manner:
a) The onihcikiskwapowin onkanwak shall enact the
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education Law (2013):
kiskinowahamakosiwin ekwa kiskinowahamtowin
wiyasiwwin by undertaking policy, financial, regulatory, administration, and
incorporation control.
6) In accordance with kahkyaw- e-miciminitmakahki (Lifelong
Education) and as per the Spirit and Intent of Treaty No. 6, the cultural, academic, and
technical standards of the onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education system
shall be equal to or exceed the highest educational standards.
7) The onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education Authority will establish and
oversee assessment, evaluation, and certification standards.
8) The onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education Authority shall have
administrative autonomy, professional independence, and organizational stability without
interference.
9) All monies provided for the purpose of onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN)
Education by Crown and other funding agencies shall be expended solely for the purpose of
onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education and shall not be diverted for other
purposes.
10) The onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Education Authority may discuss,
negotiate, collaborate, and cooperate with and Law jointly with other educational boards and
institutions, but shall not compromise its independence or its obligation to Law in the best
interests of onihcikiskwapowin Peoples.
FURTHERMORE BE IT RESOLVED, this onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN)
Education Law (2013):
kiskinowahamakosiwin ekwa kiskinowahamtowin wiyasiwwin, is a living document
designed to continually evolve as an instrument protecting and preserving
nhiyawewin, culture, the Spirit and Intent of Treaty No. 6, and;
FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED, reaffirming the commitment to
kiskinohamakosowin ekwa kiskinohamasowiwin

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ekwa mina kiskinohamtowin, guided by Natural Law to ensure
esohkahk nhiyaw mamintoneycikan.

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APPENDIX II: The Turtle Lodge: Our Way of Life: Indigenous Education

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APPENDIX III: SLCN Constitution

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APPENDIX III: SLCN Constitution (Text Version)

SECTION I: DECLARATION OF THE ONIHCIKISKWAPOWIN KIHCI WIYSOWEWIN

PREAMBLE: ISKO KASAHKASTEK MASKOSIYA KOHPIKIHKI EKWA SIPIYA
KAPIMICIHWAKI

WE, the Cree Nation of onihcikiskwapowin ministik, believe in the supremacy and power of the
Creator. The Creator has provided the Saddle Lake Cree Nation its spiritual beliefs, language,
culture, laws, natural rights, lands, responsibilities, freedoms, the rights to self-determination,
the right to govern its relationships and to live in harmony with nature and mankind.
THEREFORE, in accordance to the principles of the Cree Nations traditions and customs, and in
recognition to the spirit and intent of Treaty Six and in accordance with the Royal
Proclamation of 1763:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the members of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation duly assembled and are
desirous of joining together for their generous benefit and mutual advantage, they, by motion
and resolution, solemnly declare this document serve as their onihcikiskwapowin kihci
wiysowewin and will be governed accordingly by its fundamental laws and principles:
STATEMENT:

1. It is the inherent right of onihcikiskwapowin Nation to govern itself according to

customary laws and traditional laws, the inalienable right granted by the relationship
with their territory,
2. That all political legal legislative authority is vested in and derived from the people;
3. That the governing authority flows from and is dependent upon the will of the people;
4. The onihcikiskwapowinak places their confidence and beliefs in a judicial mechanism of
an impartial nature, developed within the structure of the onihcikiskwapowin
government to deal with conflicts between members; their government and other
governments;
5. Therefore, no act of another sovereign entity or nation, its agents, institutions, may
directly alter any meaning, intent or actions expressed herein

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the onihcikiskwapowin has resolved to be governed

according to the herein provisions.
Ratified at a duly convened general assembly of onihcikiskwapowin on June 23, 2003.

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Moved by: Darrell Brertton. Seconded by: John Shirt.
SECTION II: POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITY DEFINITIONS
A. INHERENT POWERS: All inherent powers of onihcikiskwapowinak shall upon declaration of
the Customary Law of onihcikiskwapowinak Nation be classified and defined as follows:
1. Executive Powers shall be those powers belonging to and reserved by the people of
which they shall exercise themselves.
2. Delegated Powers shall be those powers, which are specifically identified and
delegated to the respective institution of onihcikiskwapowinak by the people through
the ratification of this Customary Law.
3. Financial Accountability Act
4.
SECTION III: EXCLUSIVE POWERS
A. Executive Powers of the onihcikiskwapowin shall include:
1. All powers to ratify any new Treaties or major agreements entered into with any
governments;
2. All powers altering, terminating or in any manner changing the exterior boundaries of
onihcikiskwapowin territories and lands including any addition by entitlement, inherent
right or by purchase;
3. All powers to onihcikiskwapowin to all or disallow taxes upon the territory, lands,
businesses, property (personal, corporate or real), direct or indirect upon the people of
their agents of the onihcikiskwapowin including the right to information.
4. All powers to determine establish or in any manner define citizenship and tenure,
removal or withdrawal of same and the rights of residency upon the territories or land
of onihcikiskwapowin.
5. All powers of the people shall be exercised by the assemblies, as provided herein.
B. Onihcikiskwapowin Assembly: referendum structure as developed by onihcikiskwapowinak
1. onihcikiskwapowin Assembly shall be those who are members of onihcikiskwapowin,
21 years of age or older, eligible to vote in the onihcikiskwapowin Band Election.
2. The Assembly shall draw up or cause to be drawn up acts and regulations not contrary
or inconsistent with the Customary Law;
3. Said acts laws and regulations shall provide for a chairperson or in he alternative,
okimaw of onihcikiskwapowin shall be designated chairperson of the Assembly;
4. Said acts and regulations shall provide for a recording secretary;
5. Said acts and regulations shall provide for a voting officer who shall certify all votes
taken and shall further certify all petitions, referendums so taken by
6. Said bylaws be made provided Chief and Council prepare an agenda for each Assembly
meeting and that the agenda provide for an agenda item to be known as other item
to become bylaw

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7.

Said bylaws may provide for the establishment of adhoc or standing committees or
commissions deemed necessary and proper to the carrying out of the duties and
responsibilities of the Assembly;
8. All actions, resolutions and recommendations to be acted upon shall be subject to the
fiscal resources of onihcikiskwapowin.
C. Acts and Regulations
D. Quorum of Assembly
E. Meetings:
Information Band Meeting
Special Band Meeting
General Band Meeting
Band Membership Meeting

1. Resolutions and/or recommendations made by the Assembly shall, where appropriate,
be tabled with Chief and Council after which, Chief and Council shall report back to the
Assembly concerning disposition of same;
2. A quorum of the Assembly shall consist of five (5) percent of the total eligible resident
voters with a minimum of no less than fifty (50) persons present;
3. The taking of ballots unless provided by the bylaws of the Assembly shall be by a simple
majority of the required quorum.

SECTION IV: DELEGATED LEGISLATIVE POWERS
A. All delegated legislative powers shall be exercised by an elected Chief and Council acting
together which include the following:
1. Fiscal and financial affairs including the establishment of fiscal institutions deemed
proper and necessary;
2. Health and Safety;
3. Education
4. Housing
5. Roads, bridges and maintenance of same;
6. Capital improvements and public works; user fees
7. Citizenship and residency where not inconsistent with or contrary to those exclusive
powers of the Peoples Assembly.
8. Marriage and divorce;
9. Wills, trust and property distribution;
10. Social services for family, children, elderly and needy;
11. Entering into agreements with other governments;
12. Regulations of land use in consultation with the citizens of onihcikiskwapowin Nation;
13. Establishment of justice systems not inconsistent with or contrary to this Customary
Law;
14. Social, cultural enhancement, including museums, cultural centres and activities;
15. Declaration of holidays, festivals and special occasions;
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16. Establishment of law enforcement agencies;
17. Defining acts which are contrary to the harmony and welfare of the Nation;
18. Creation and recognition of corporations, partnerships, joint ventures and other
business arrangements both on and off the territories and lands of the Nation;
19. Business establishment, licenses, permits and codes of standard;
20. Establishment of committees, boards, commissions and departments either permanent
or temporary;
21. Providing for justifiable compensation for Chief and Council, members of the
administration and justice system and other employees permanent or temporary
subject to the fiscal resources of the Nation;
22. Providing for the general organization and operations of Chief and Council including
rules of procedures and process;
23. Establish Election Laws and regulations for the election of Chief and Council and other
elected offices were deemed appropriate and necessary.
24. Establishing Acts such as:
i.
Child Welfare
25. Education
i.
K-12
26. Tribal Justice/Tribal Customary Laws
i.
Policing
27. Traffic Laws
28. Environment Laws
29. Levies and Taxes

SECTION V: DELEGATED EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS
A. All delegated Executive Administrative powers shall be those powers exercised in the
Administration of the onihcikiskwapowin as prescribed by Chief and Council and which shall
include the following:
1. The Chief shall be the Ex-Officio of the tribe;
2. There shall be a Director or Administration who shall function in a manner prescribed
by an Administrative code;
3. No Administrative Officer or personnel, permanent or temporary, shall, unless,
authorized by Chief and Council, encumber, sign or make changes against the Nation
including any fiscal, physical or other assets;
4. All administrative personnel, permanent and/or temporary, shall perform their duties
in a non-political manner without partiality.

SECTION VI: DELEGATED POWERS OF JUSTICE
A. All delegated powers of justice shall be those powers as prescribed by the Peoples
Assembly and which shall include the following:

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1.

All powers of justice shall be administered with the regard for fairness, impartiality and
natural justice;
2. There shall be a Justice Committee who shall:
i.
Be composed of five (5) Commissioners to be selected by consensus by the
Peoples Assembly as determined by a Justice Code;
ii. Supervise the justice system and its operations;
iii. Recommend changes, reforms and amendments to codes and regulation including
the justice code and regulations pertaining thereto;
iv. Nominate persons to Chief and Council appointment as Peacemakers;
v. Nominate persons to Chief and Council as appointments as Chief Juror and
Associate Jurors of the Justice Tribunal.
3. There shall be Peacemakers whose powers shall be to investigate, mediate and where
consented to by the parties involved, arbitrate and shall, where appropriate and/or as
determined by the Justice Code make referrals to the Justice Tribunal;
4. There shall be a Justice Tribunal consisting of a Chief Juror and two (2) Associate Jurors
whose powers shall be to mediate and where necessary, arbitrate and, decisions of the
Justice Tribunal shall be final and binding for all parties concerned.

SECTION VII: CONCURRENT POWERS

A. Concurrent Powers shall be those powers which the onihcikiskwapowinak Nation
Government exercise conjunction and cooperation with other governments to be known as
inter-governmental relations.

SECTION VIII: TRUST POWERS
A. Trust Powers are and shall be those powers of a beneficiary with the Federal Crown in trust
entered into Treaty Six, 1876 related to 1763 Royal Proclamation and other Statutes.

SECTION IX: POWERS ANY OTHER POWERS
A. Powers: Any Other Powers as granted by onihcikiskwapowinak

SECTION X: AMENDMENTS AND RATIFICATIONS
A. Amendments to this Constitution shall be made in accordance with the following provisions:
1. No amendments shall be made to this Constitution at any time during the first year
after ratification;

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2.

Amendments may be initiated by Chief and Council, by the people upon the
presentation with no less than fifty (50) names on the petition of the eligible resident
voters or by the Peoples Assembly by a simple majority of the required quorum;
3. All amendments shall be approved by not less than a simple majority of the total
eligible resident voters:
4. Amendments upon approval by the required number of votes shall take effect
immediately.
B. Ratification of the Constitution shall require not less than a simple majority of the total
resident eligible voters of onihcikiskwapowin.
C. This Constitution of onihcikiskwapowin shall upon ratification by the required number of
votes take effect immediately and become the CONSTITUTION OF THE SADDLE LAKE CREE
NATION.

Signed by:

Chief Eddy Makokis

Councillor Charlene Houle-White

Councillor Calvin Cardinal

Councillor Leonard Jackson

Councillor Raymond C. Cardinal

Councillor Adrian Redcrow

Councillor Sam Cardinal

Councillor Jason Whiskeyjack

Councillor Terry Cardinal

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APPENDIX IV: Our Land Law Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Onihcikiskwapowin)

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APPENDIX V: Information Brief On First Nations Education Act (For onichikiskwapowin
Elders)

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THINGS TO BE DEVELOPED/UPDATED AND MANDATED:
APPENDIX VI: onihcikiskwapowin (SLCN) Land Use Policy
APPENDIX VII: Education Policy (update)
APPENDIX VIII: Financial Policy
APPENDIX IX: Transportation Policy (update)
APPENDIX X: Elders Council
APPENDIX XI: Womens Council
APPENDIX XII: Mens Council
APPENDIX XIII: Youth Council

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REFERENCES
Treaty No. 6: Oral Understanding and Written Text
Treaty No. 6: https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100028710/1100100028783
Sharon Venne Research with Elders (Oral)
Turtle Lodge Treaty: http://www.bluequills.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IndigenousEducation-Turtle-Lodge-Treaty-Our-Way-of-Life.pdf
Defining Indigenous Peoples:
http://search.un.org/results.php?ie=utf8&output=xml_no_dtd&oe=utf8&Submit=Search&_ga=GA1.2.910
977951.1462291705&_gat=1&query=define+peoples%22&tpl=un&lang=en&rows=10#! (See Resource
Files)

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RESOURCES
Blue Quills First Nations College: www.bluequills.ca
Elders
Onion Lake Cree Nation: www.onionlake.ca
Onion Lake Cree Nation Education: http://www.onionlake.ca/education/education
Saddle Lake Cree Nation: www.saddlelake.ca
Saddle Lake Rejects Bill C-33: http://www.saddlelake.ca/noflash/wpcontent/uploads/2010/09/Bill_c-45.pdf
Treaty No. 6: https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100028710/1100100028783
Sylvia McAdam Book
Jurisdiction and Education Presentation by Sharon Venne:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8xAMw6ZyEc
Sharon Venne book on Treaty
Cree Dictionary www.creedictionary.com
UNDRIP: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf
TRC Call to Action:
http://www.trc.ca/websites/trcinstitution/File/2015/Findings/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
Indigenous Sovereignty: https://decolonization.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/indigenoussovereignty-and-human-rights-idle-no-more-as-decolonizing/
Sovereignty: Do First Nations Need It?:
http://www.idlenomore.ca/sovereignty_do_firstnations_need_it
ONECA Conference 2013 Sharon Venne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpDsMDu8tmY
30th Anniversary Blue Quills First Nations College Pimohteskanaw 1971-2001Commemorative
Edition: http://www.bluequills.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/BQ-30th-Anniversary-Book.pdf
PM Harper Bill C-33 First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act Announcement APTN: http://educationvideos.xyz/first-nations-education-harper-announcement-on-kainaination-85073/

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Bill C-33 First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act:
http://www.lop.parl.gc.ca/content/lop/legislativesummaries/41/2/c33-e.pdf
FNCFNEA Announcement: http://educationvideos.xyz/shannon-houle-personal-reaction-of-firstnations-education-announcement-85100/

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DRAFT COMMENTS:
Additional Comments (Elders Council review):
1. Review for a relationship with Womens Secretariat arbiter of student retention
(discipline).
2. Review for a relationship with the Youth Council in matters relating to student roles.

FIRST READING: TBA See SLEA Workplan

BCR Signing Scheduled Date for Chief & Council Acceptance of Education Law: May 3, 2016

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