Alexander First Nation

, Alexander First Nation had 2,263 official members, and an on-reserve population of 1,057. As of March 2017, the First Nation had 2,500 band members. At the time, the population on the reserve was growing at a rate 2.5 times that of the non-First Nations populations in the area. In 1998, the Nation had 1,343 official members. == Lands ==

In the reserve land provision of Treaty 6, which was signed in 1877, the Alexander First Nation was promised 128 acres per citizen in a land entitlement agreement. Census issues later resulted in a shortfall of land, and a claim was accepted by Canada in 1992 after First Nation research demonstrated the shortfall. At a formal ceremony in October 1998 at the Alexander First Nation Community Hall, the government of Canada, the government of Alberta, and the Alexander First Nation announced the fulfillment of Treaty 6. Alexander First Nation was given an additional of reserve land and $10 million was put into a trust to be used "solely for the purchase of land and the long-term benefit and use of Alexander and its members." • Alexander 134 • Alexander 134A • Alexander 134B == Government ==

Chiefs List of historic chiefs: • Alexander Arcand (1877–1914) • Edward Arcand (1914–1936) • Emile Burnstick (1936–1937) • Alexis Arcand (1937–1950) • Adam Auigbelle (1950–1955) • John Gladue (1955–1959) • Fred Arcand (1959–1961) • Sr. Henry Paul (1961–1963) • James Arcand (1963–1965) • Peter Lafleche (Aug.1965–Oct.1965) • Henry Paul (1965–1969) • Alex Auigbelle (1969–1971) • George Lafleche (1971–1973) • Fred Arcand Sr. (1973–1976 • James Arcand (February 1977–September 1977) • Leo Bruno (1977–1979) • Stanley Arcand (1979–1986) • Allan Paul (1986–1990) • Stanley Arcand (1990–1999) The results of a 13 July 2017 election saw Burnstick re-elected, with those results overturned the following month by an appeal board that ruled that "a regulation requiring the unanimous consent of chief and council for an early election call had been violated." In September 2017, there was a court application to delay an upcoming election, with the intent of changing rules so off-reserve band members could vote. On 30 September 2017, a judge rejected the application, allowing the election to proceed. Social policy The nation's stated mission is "To protect our Inherent Treaty Rights through tactical initiatives, community enhancement, law development and continuous improvement." Resources and support for the community are regulated by Alexander First Nation Social Development. The Wapski Mahikan Society was provided to support children and families "within the society's jurisdiction." In March 2019, the Alexander First Nation in Alberta signed a memorandum of understanding with the child services department of Alberta, to give the nation more say in "how their children are cared for." == Economy and finances ==

In September 2016, CBC News reported that some residents on the reserve had been waiting on power poles and running water for six years, with three prior chiefs and councils saying there was no funds to extend power lines. After "over 30 years" of concern over financial irregularities by community members, on 10 March 2016, band councillors voted to appoint the accounting firm Meyers Norris Penny to audit the employment activities of past and present elected officials and staff. The audit, performed at the request of then Chief Kurt Burnstick, scrutinized activities from 2013 until 2015, with findings presented to the band council on 4 August 2016. Meyers Norris Penny found $2.1 million in "unexplained payments" made to a former chief and administrative staff, As a result of the report, it was reported that some members of the nation were "asking for help from the police and the courts," and in August 2016, a criminal complaint was made to the RCMP. In January 2017, three band members sued their former chief, a current councillor and an administrator, in the Court of Queen's Bench in Edmonton on 21 December 2016. The suit cited the $2 million in unexplained payments to Alphonse Arcand, Allan Paul, and former chief Herbert Arcand, alleging "illegal and improper acts" and "unlawful abuse" of positions. In July 2017, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada reported that $5.3 million in band payments at Alexander lacked sufficient documentation, between April 2010 and March 2016. The audit, performed by Ernst & Young, calculated $2.5 million of those funds coming from INA, with large unsupported funds going to Burnstick and Alphonse Arcand. At the band's request, on 11 September 2017, the Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs in Ottawa asserted that a "third-party co-manager" was "working to sort out" finances at Alexander First Nation. Pipeline negotiations Prior to 2013, Pembina Pipeline began negotiating with the First Nation as to placing a nearby pipeline, with the community supportive. Burnstick was elected chief in mid-2013, and according to Pembina, began engaging in talks over benefits with the company without the knowledge of the First Nation. After a three-year regulatory and legal battle with Burnstick, Pembina decided to cease negotiations and build around the reserve. In March 2017, members of the Alexander First Nation accused chief Burnstick of costing the community jobs and revenue with the failed negotiations. == Assault trials ==

As of September 2016, Kurt Burnstick was being pressured to resign as chief after facing three sexual assault charges as did dozens of people a rally in September 2016. == References ==