Leadership

Tansi niwakomakanak, greetings all my relations; Bernadine Harper nitsikason, omisimaw oldest daughter to late Alex Harper (nohtawi) and late Louisa Harper (Lameman) nikawi, six younger brothers. My paternal grandparents; late Pierre Harper and late Mary Harper (Pahtayken); and maternal grandparents late Paul Lameman and late Mary Lameman (Whitstone). My family were my first greatest teachers, where they instilled our traditional values and teachings of life, grounded in ceremony; Creator’s Laws, Natural Laws, and to show utmost respect to all human-kind and creation. I do my best to live by these laws and values as we were born with them to help govern and guide our path in life.

In life’s learning journey I also obtained a Bachelor’s of Indian Social Work degree, Asset Mapping T4T, Domestic Violence Intervention training, Edu-Therapy, Kairos Blanket Exercise, ASIST Trainer, trained in The Journey, Group facilitator, Truth and Reconciliation, Traditional Parenting T4T, Medicine Wheel facilitator, land Based T4T, Indigenous Crisis Response T4T, traditional teachings (roles and protocols of ceremonies) and much more.

I was taught excellent work ethics from an early age and as a result have been fortunate to work for our nation, approximately 45 years in the frontline and management field.

My career path changed when I was elected as a Band Council June 17, 2022 and I want to express my gratitude to the people who have faith in me to be one of the leaders for our nation. In my new role as leadership, I bring with me all of the above as well lived experiences of both positive/negative, where I learned the lessons of life’s challenges and turned them into positive stepping stones which gives me Hope and Optimism.

My goal is: Advocacy, Accountability, Inclusion (sense of belonging), Transparency, Open-mind, Trustworthy, Honesty, Communication, Integrity, trustworthy etc. I will continue to work for people of our nation at a different capacity. I am thankful for our ancestors who paved a trail for us to have a better tomorrow and I honor and acknowledge them as they continue to surround us daily as we now pave the trails for our future generations to come for a better future as well.

ninanaskomaw kici mamawi otawimaw okisewatsowin kamikoya tatokisikaw

Thankful to creator for the gift of life daily.

Bernadine Harper
Councilor Onion Lake Cree Nation

Tanisi, Niya Doreen Masson nisikason, I am the 7 th child born to Late George Kanipitetew Sr and Edna (Harper) Kanipitetew.- the youngest girl of 6 sisters, 1 Older brother and 4 younger brothers.

I married my husband, Lazarus Masson in 1987, 2 years later, in 1989, we began the family life by welcoming our first-born son, Clint, followed by 2 daughters Cresida in 1991 and Chelaine in 1993 and one adopted Son, Kendall. Years later, we are blessed with 4 grandsons, Abel, Mehegan, Bodhi and Vali.

My pride is my family, my foundation is my family, my strength is my family, my life is my family. I have lived and worked in Onion Lake my entire life, I have been employed in various roles in the Community throughout the years, I raised my children here and have witnessed their struggles and successes in this Community. Now I get to enjoy watching my grandchildren grow and be apart of this Community as well. Our community means a lot to me and I will always advocate for its potential, albeit a Councilors role or otherwise.

I have been a Band Councilor for four (4) terms, ending in 2018, for the past 4 years, we have seen our Community endure a lot of hardship, but it is necessary for things to break in order to build stronger. We are ready to make that commitment for our Nation. I acknowledge the past and present leadership for all the work they have done, since the beginning days of Chief Taylor and his advocacy for our first On-Reserve school. Onion Lake Cree nation needs to move forward with a fresh mandate as priority instilled by previous leadership and their dedicated movement to Treaty and Inherent Rights, not withstanding the importance of Community whom will have a major role to play when it comes to fulfilling the vision of our Ancestors and the promises made for Treaty #6. I pride myself in the ability to see things from various perspectives which allows me to make choices I can be accountable to. I value trust, honesty, accountability and integrity, they are always at the forefront with everything I do. In closing, I am in the office Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm unless I am on the road travelling to off reserve meetings.

Ekosi Pitamah

Ah hay

I have been in leadership for the past 10 years. I grew up in Onion Lake and had the opportunity to work on and off reserve over the years. I have been driving trucks for most of my career hauling grains to propane hauls, doing long hauls across the United States, as well as mini-long hauls across Saskatchewan and Alberta. Today, I enjoy the company of fellow community members and my family.

It is always difficult to see my community members go through grief; the loss of a loved one or a grievance caused by gang activity. I commit myself to stand against oppression, domestic or foreign. I take pride in my community, and the accomplishments we made and are making today. I believe that hard work and dedication to my first nation have been positive.

I thank my supporters for their trust in me and hope to achieve positive outcomes for our community in the future.

My mother is Florence Harper, Grandparents are Victor Harper and Christina Harper (nee Heathen). I was born in Camrose, Alberta. I lived in Edmonton and eventually moved back to Onion Lake when I was 15 years of age. I Graduated in 1987 from Chief Taylor.

I spent 16 years as a Federal correctional Officer at Saskatchewan Penitentiary and Willow Cree Healing Lodge. I did a number of years as a pastor in Prince Albert, Sk.

I am committed to our community to find peace, safety, and a purpose for their lives; That people can find the strength they need to overcome life’s struggles and enjoy life. I believe all people need love, respect, accountability, and direction and to be responsible for what they have been given by God; who created each one of us.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the Leadership team, may we see good things ahead!

Tansi, niwâhkômâkanak, Greetings all my relations; Karla Bird nitsikason, second daughter (of 3 sisters) to late Betty Smith (née Carter) nikâwiy, and late Jack Smith, maternal grandparents late Francis Carter and late Justine Carter (née Opissinow). My Great Grandparents (Opissinow) are late Caroline Wolfe and late Joseph B. Opissinow, and my Great Grandparents (Carter) are late Marie Elise Whitstone and late Walter Carter. I am descended from Treaty 6 signer – my 5th Great Grandfather J.B. Abraham Eagle (Ku-ye-win) Mamistakwan, Kiyiwin/Keetoowahan. My 2nd great grandfather J.B. Opisinaw served on Council with Onion Lake from 1922 – 1941 and my great grandfather Walter Carter served on Council with Onion Lake from 1950-1952 & 1970-1974.

I am a single mother to one son, and one foster son, and I am proud of them both. My home was always busy with both of them and their friends, and I was always grateful to be their place to be that was free from alcohol or drugs.

I learned at a young age from my parents to serve and be a helper, and I have lived my life serving and being a helper wherever I have had the opportunity. I always say that I am here to help, and it is my privilege to be able to do that wherever I am able. I grew up in Onion Lake and left to complete high school and post secondary school. I completed my Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Saskatchewan and also worked serving the 74 First Nations of Saskatchewan between 1999-2012 at the Health and Social Development Commission at FSIN.

Since then, I came home and worked for Onion Lake Health from 2012-2025 as a Treaty Technician, Treaty Based Funding Coordinator/Negotiator, Accreditation Coordinator and Policy and Financial Analyst. Collectively I have 26 years of experience being a Treaty Technician over my career so far.

2025 is my first term as a newly elected Councilor for Onion Lake Cree Nation and I feel very humbled for those that voted for me and put their confidence in me to serve our Nation and all of our members. It is also vital and critical to continue the work to help protect our Treaty and Inherent Rights. Treaty No. 6 includes the “Medicine Chest” which includes the crucial clauses for our complete provision of Healthcare, has the famine/pestilence protection clause, and remains incredibly important for our ongoing nation-to-nation relationship. The treaty terms (sharing, peace, mutual respect) are intended to be eternal, as long as the natural world exists, treaties are not relics but ongoing, daily realities. Our Treaty and Inherent Rights are to be honoured, upheld, respected, and implemented “As Long as The Sun Shines, The Grass Grows and the Waters Flow.”

Kisê-manitow, kinanâskomitin ê-miyiyan kotak kîsikâw

Lord, I thank you for giving me another day.

Karla Bird

Councilor Onion Lake Cree Nation

Tansi, my name is Laurie Ann Jimmy.

I am the granddaughter of the late Hector Jimmy and the late Elizabeth Jimmy (née Whitstone). My mother is Alice Jimmy, and my father was the late Lawrence Loyie. I grew up in Lloydminster before moving to the small community of Marsden, Saskatchewan.

My journey with Onion Lake began in 1987, when I started as a cashier at the newly opened Makaoo Mall. Over the years, I have been honoured to serve the Nation in many different capacities—cashier, addictions counsellor, labourer on the water line project, semi-truck driver, finance controller, and Associate Director of Operations. Each role has taught me something valuable and has strengthened my commitment to our people.

I am a mother of four sons, and in 2020 I experienced the heartbreaking loss of one of my boys. His memory continues to guide and ground me in my work.

In 2022, I began my first term in leadership. Being re-elected to a second term is an honour I carry with deep gratitude. Thank you to each and every one of you for your confidence, trust, and continued support.

During my last term, I held portfolios in Education, Health, Lands, and Duty to Consult, with alternate responsibilities in Family Services, Administration, and Business Development. My passion remains strong in the areas of community safety, the protection and revitalization of our treaties, and the overall health and wellness of our people.

I look forward to continuing this work together, with honesty, dedication, and respect for all members of our Nation.