Chief Alexandre Laviolette was an incredibly strong leader of K’ai Taille Dene, in territory most commonly know as Fort Chipewyan. He valued freedom – freedom of the people and their lands that were gifted to them by Creator, and honourably defended their rights throughout his whole life.

He was a signatory of the Treaty 8 Territory agreement of 1899, and as such became the first Treaty Chief of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. The treaty promised freedom to practice their traditional lives. When the promises were broken, Chief Laviolette questioned authority and demanded what rightfully belonged to the people.

Chief Laviolette’s legacy lives on today. The community of Fort Chipewyan is rich in culture, and the people continue to care for the land their ancestors have walked for thousands of years and who their descendants will walk on thereafter.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is celebrating the rich culture and history of Indigenous peoples of this region in recognition of National Indigenous History Month. Please join us throughout the month of June in honoring the original peoples whose stories have marked these lands for time immemorial. Photos used courtesy of Pawamiw Creative.