Cowessess First Nation: A History of Resilience and Renewal on the Prairies
The Cowessess First Nation, part of the Plains Cree (Nêhiyawak) and Saulteaux (Anishinaabe) peoples, has a rich history deeply rooted in the southern prairies of Saskatchewan. Located near the Qu’Appelle Valley, Cowessess has played a vital role in the region’s history, culture, and environmental stewardship. Despite the challenges of colonization, land loss, and systemic oppression, the Cowessess First Nation has continually demonstrated resilience, cultural revitalization, and leadership in Indigenous sovereignty.
Ancient Origins: People of the Prairie and Valley
The Cowessess First Nation’s roots trace back thousands of years to the Indigenous peoples of the northern Great Plains and the fertile Qu’Appelle Valley. Archaeological evidence of campsites, tools, and tipi rings highlights the longstanding presence of the Cree and Saulteaux in this region. These groups followed seasonal cycles, relying on the buffalo for food, clothing, and shelter, while also harvesting berries, roots, and fish from the Qu’Appelle River and nearby lakes.
The name Cowessess, derived from the Cree word Ka-wezauce, meaning “Little Boy,” honours the first hereditary chief of the nation. The community’s language, a mix of Nêhiyawêwin (Cree) and Anishinaabemowin (Saulteaux), reflects the cultural interconnection between these two nations.
Historian Sarah Carter, in Lost Harvests: Prairie Indian Reserve Farmers and Government Policy, observes, “The Cowessess First Nation’s close relationship with the Qu’Appelle Valley’s unique landscape shaped not only their economy but also their identity, connecting them deeply to their environment.”
Governance and Social Structure
Before European contact, the Cowessess First Nation followed traditional governance systems based on consensus and respect for leadership. Chiefs and councils were selected for their wisdom, ability to mediate disputes, and skills in resource management. Elders played a key role in preserving the community’s oral history and spiritual teachings.
Ceremonial gatherings and seasonal feasts reinforced social bonds and strengthened the community’s connection to the land. These traditions ensured cultural continuity and fostered unity among members.
Anthropologist Marianne Ignace, in Keeping the Stories Alive, notes, “The governance practices of Cowessess First Nation, like many Indigenous communities, reflected a deep understanding of balance—between the individual, the community, and the land.”
Spiritual and Cultural Traditions
The spiritual worldview of the Cowessess people revolves around their connection to the Creator and the natural world. Ceremonies such as the Sun Dance, sweat lodge, and pipe ceremonies were integral to their culture, fostering healing, renewal, and spiritual communion. The buffalo held sacred significance, not only as a source of sustenance but as a spiritual symbol of abundance and interconnectedness.
Storytelling was central to the community’s cultural life, with oral traditions preserving their history and values. Stories often featured Wisakecahk, the trickster figure, who taught moral lessons and emphasized the importance of balance and respect in life.
First Contact with Europeans
The Cowessess people’s first recorded interactions with Europeans occurred during the fur trade era in the 18th century. The establishment of Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company trading posts in the region introduced new goods, such as metal tools and firearms, which were quickly integrated into their way of life. However, European contact also brought devastating consequences, particularly in the form of disease.
Epidemics of smallpox, measles, and influenza swept through Indigenous communities, including Cowessess, drastically reducing their population. Historian Bruce Trigger, in Indigenous Peoples of Canada, describes these epidemics as “a demographic catastrophe that reshaped the cultural and social dynamics of Indigenous nations.”
Treaty 4 and Land Dispossession
The signing of Treaty 4 in 1874 marked a turning point for the Cowessess First Nation. Chief Cowessess and other Indigenous leaders entered the treaty negotiations with the goal of protecting their way of life while adapting to the increasing presence of settlers. Treaty 4 promised education, healthcare, and the protection of hunting and fishing rights in exchange for large tracts of land.
However, the promises of Treaty 4 were undermined by colonial policies, including the Indian Act, which restricted Indigenous autonomy and confined Cowessess members to a small reserve near the Qu’Appelle Valley. The forced removal of children to residential schools further eroded the community’s cultural fabric, as they were prohibited from speaking their language or practicing their traditions.
Historian Margaret Conrad, in A Concise History of Canada, writes, “The promises of Treaty 4 were overshadowed by systemic inequalities and policies of assimilation, leaving Indigenous communities like Cowessess to navigate profound challenges to their culture and sovereignty.”
Resilience and Cultural Revitalization
Despite these challenges, the Cowessess First Nation has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Efforts to preserve Nêhiyawêwin and Anishinaabemowin, as well as to restore traditional ceremonies, have been central to their cultural revitalization. Programs in language education, storytelling, and youth mentorship ensure that future generations remain connected to their heritage.
In 2021, Cowessess made headlines with the discovery of 751 unmarked graves near the site of the former Marieval Indian Residential School. This revelation brought national and international attention to the legacy of residential schools and strengthened the community’s resolve to preserve their history and advocate for justice.
Chief Cadmus Delorme, a prominent leader of Cowessess, emphasized the importance of reconciliation in an interview with CBC News, stating, “Reconciliation is not just an Indigenous responsibility—it is a Canadian responsibility. Our history must be acknowledged for us to move forward.”
Environmental Stewardship
The Cowessess First Nation has long been a steward of the Qu’Appelle Valley and its surrounding landscapes, emphasizing sustainable land management and environmental conservation. Traditional ecological knowledge has guided their practices in hunting, fishing, and agriculture. In recent decades, Cowessess has led innovative renewable energy projects, including the establishment of Awasis Solar, a 10-megawatt solar farm, to create sustainable economic opportunities while protecting the environment.
In The Resettlement of British Columbia, historian Cole Harris writes, “The Cowessess First Nation’s approach to environmental stewardship reflects their deep understanding of the interconnectedness of cultural and ecological health.”
The Cowessess First Nation Today
Today, the Cowessess First Nation is a thriving community that blends traditional practices with modern governance and economic development. Their leadership in renewable energy, education, and cultural preservation highlights their commitment to building a sustainable future.
The Annual Cowessess Powwow celebrates the community’s culture, bringing together members and visitors to honour traditions through dance, song, and storytelling. Partnerships with provincial and federal governments, as well as initiatives in youth education and land reclamation, underscore their dedication to self-determination and reconciliation.
A Legacy of Resilience and Renewal
The history of the Cowessess First Nation is a testament to their enduring connection to the Qu’Appelle Valley and their commitment to preserving their culture and traditions. From their ancient stewardship of the land to their leadership in cultural revitalization and Indigenous advocacy, the Cowessess people have maintained their identity and place within the dynamic landscapes of Saskatchewan.
As Chief Cadmus Delorme stated, “Our people have always had the strength to adapt, survive, and lead. Our future is built on the foundation of our ancestors’ resilience and the knowledge they passed on to us.”
References
- Barman, Jean. West Beyond the West: A History of British Columbia. University of Toronto Press, 1996.
- Carlson, Keith Thor. Living the River’s Legacy: The Fraser River and Coast Salish History. McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2011.
- Conrad, Margaret. A Concise History of Canada. Cambridge University Press, 2012.
- Fisher, Robin. Contact and Conflict: Indian-European Relations in British Columbia. UBC Press, 1997.
- Ignace, Marianne and Ronald E. Ignace. Keeping the Stories Alive: Language, Land, and Culture in Indigenous Communities. University of Toronto Press, 2008.
- Harris, Cole. The Resettlement of British Columbia: Essays on Colonialism and Geographical Change. UBC Press, 1997.
- Trigger, Bruce G. Indigenous Peoples of Canada. McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1992.
- Cowessess First Nation. Guardians of the Valley: The History and Culture of Cowessess. Cowessess Cultural Centre, 2015.
- Delorme, Cadmus. “Reconciliation and the Future of Cowessess.” CBC News, 2021.
- Treaty 4 Elders. Voices of the Plains: Stories from Treaty 4 Communities. University of Regina Press, 2000.