Kahkewistahaw First Nation – Stories of Chiefs

from Michelle Willard, Mighty Museum

Pictured above: Linda Reader, Chief Evan Taypotat of the Kahkewistahaw First Nation and Michelle Willard of Mighty Museum at Kahkewistahaw Pow Wow Grounds.

Stories of Chiefs

In 1886, he traveled by train to Ottawa to visit Sir John A. Macdonald. He came to tell Canada’s first prime minister about his people and their land in what is present-day Saskatchewan. He sought protection for his people’s lifestyles and customs. This is Chief Kahkewistahaw. The recently renovated Kahkewistahaw Community School at Kahkewistahaw First Nation in present-day Broadview, Saskatchewan bears his name.

What about the activist who worked tirelessly in pursuit of First Nations’ sovereign jurisdiction and the protection of treaty rights? In 1955, at the age of 28, he was the youngest elected chief in Canada. This is Chief Joseph Crowe. On May 4, 2022, Kahkewistahaw First Nation celebrated the opening of the Chief Joseph Crowe Governance Centre

This new centre showcases cultural belongings such as images and regalia. Throughout the centre, interpretive signage developed by Mighty Museum tells the stories of many of the Nation’s courageous leaders, including the current Kahkewistahaw First Nation Chief Evan Taypotat. See the signage and find out more about these chiefs here:

Chief Kahkewistahaw

Chief Joseph Crowe

Chief Evan Taypotat

I am learning about Indigenous leaders who shaped Canada and voiced their inherent rights. These are stories of activism, resilience and strength. I am honoured to be learning this history.

Michelle Willard