The Stoney Nakoda Nation is composed of three bands: Chiniki, Wesley, and Bearspaw. Each of these bands signed Treaty Seven in 1877 with the British Crown. The Lands that make up the Stoney Nation are found in three locations, the Eden Valley Reserve close to Longview, Alberta, the Big Horn Reserve close to Bowden Alberta, and the largest tract of land, Morley that is along the trans-Canada highway on the way to Banff Alberta.

The Chiniki people are the descendants of the Great Sioux Nations and still conduct tribal business and most conversations in their traditional Siouan mother tongue.

Some Historical Facts About Our People

• Our name originated from the term Wa-p-a-muk-kthey, or Stone people as a result of a method of cooking over heated stones.
• With the arrival of the British on the shores of the Hudson Bay in 1670, we were among the first to obtain guns and metal objects.
• Equipped with European weapons, we along with our allies, the Cree pressed westward eventually occupying territory from lake Winnipeg to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
• The Stoneys were described by the white settlers as excellent hunters and skillful in constructing impoundments for trapping buffalo.
• The Stoneys have always welcomed visitors and friends to their communities. Even in the 1800’s the Stoneys were described as being hospitable to strangers who arrived in their camps.
• In 1877 the government decided to place the three bands of the Stoney Nakoda Nation under a treaty (the last of the treaties to be signed in Alberta) with their traditional enemies, the Blackfoot Confederacy. Chief Chiniki was one of the original signatories to this treaty. Today, we work in partnership with our historical enemies to promote Aboriginal culture and business in Alberta.
• In 1890 when we settled on the Stoney Reserve, the Methodists missionaries had visions of introducing us to an agricultural life. However, because of our strength and the abundance of game in the foothills, we were able to maintain our traditional lifestyle and keep our culture strong (unlike other Bands in Alberta). The Stoney Culture today is one of the purist cultures in Canada.
• During the 1970’s the Stoney Reserve became one of the first in Alberta to operate its own cultural program encouraging the use of the Stoney Language in schools and promoting advanced (university-level) education among their people. Today we have one of the largest language retention rates in the Americas.
• In the 1970’s the Stoneys opened its wilderness park, and organized annual conferences, which brought Indians from all parts of the continent to share ideas and celebrate our culture. The Stoney continue to hold their annual conferences (Pow Wow’s) inviting all people Indians and Non-Indians alike to join in our celebration of culture (Pow Wow occurs mid-August of each year).

Programs & Services

The Chiniki First Nation provides many services and programs to our people. These include the management of a large buffalo operation, work opportunity programs, recreational programs, a large community owned cattle ranch (the Chiniki Potts Ranch), band housing, band services and many diverse youth programs offering brighter futures.

Band Governance:

WORKING TOWARD A STONG FUTURE:
We have been working towards a better governance system for our community.

We are currently in the process of developing a framework for establishing a locally adopted system of community governance (consistent with our culture, traditions and beliefs) and for making adopted practices open and explicit.

Aboriginal Healing Project:

The Chiniki Community Healing Program entitled "Healing our Past, Rebuilding our Future" by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation helps create awareness of the impact of the Residential School Experience on our families through the delivery of training, presentations, healing circles, one-on-one counseling, group therapy and family counseling. You are welcome to come visit us and learn of the impacts of residential schools on our people and learn how you can help in the healing process.

EMPLOYMENT and JOB TRAINING:

Employment and job development training for youth and adults is an ongoing priority for our community. Through the Work Opportunity Program (WOP), Community Action Center (CAPP) and Housing Department, we provide summer youth employment projects, adult pre-employment training and skills development programs.

Some of the other activities that have originated through the team efforts of the CCAP and the Chiniki Administration are Brighter Future Initiative Program, Traditional and Contemporary music lessons, evening computer training courses and income tax preparation services.

CHINIKI POST SECONDARY PROGRAM:

The Post Secondary Program provides financial support to our band members pursuing an education in the area of University Professional programs and University College Entrance Programs. Many of our students attend University in Calgary and elsewhere.

We are extremely proud of our university and college graduates!

The Chiniki First Nation is continuing to develop partnerships with post secondary learning institutions that can provide our band members with local education learning opportunities.

Exciting New Projects

CHINIKI FITNESS CENTRE

Are you looking for a fitness break in your long drive through Alberta? Why not check out our new Fitness Center in the Grocery Complex in Morley. We have recently completed a Fitness Centre to complement and enhance the Wellness Programming and provide guests with a healthy friendly environment to relieve stress.

The Fitness Centre markets itself to the local community but guests are always welcome. The center offers fitness classes and instruction at a nominal fee for both community residents and visitors alike.

The fitness center features a juice bar and is staffed by a certified fitness instructor and a fitness assistant.

What's In The Works

STONEY CASINO DEVELOPMENT

Discussions are currently underway with the Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations about the constructing of a destination Casino on the Stoney Reserve.

The Casino project would create an oasis of entertainment for visitors as well as long-term employment opportunities for our band members. It is expected that the Casino would be a moderate size facility with quality entertainment and recreational activities.

CHINIKI'S CONTRIBUTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS: The Bow River & Chiniki Lake Cleanup

Chiniki Nation has and always will promote ecological preservation of our lands in the foothills. Through our public works department, we are currently in the process of partnering to develop a coordinated approach to local recycling, riverbank cleanup. The Chiniki Nation is unique and privileged to occupy lands that are still pristine and undamaged by commercial development. Our location and our commitment and respect for the wildlife in the area has made Morley a wilderness lover’s mecca. Visits from local wildlife are common both in town and in the surrounding neighborhoods. It is not unusual to see black bear, grizzly bear, cougars, Lynx, Deer, Elk, Bald Eagles and other wild birds within the community’s limits. Chiniki Nation is also one of the few Migration stops for the Snow Geese in spring.