Stoney Knoll First Nation descendants pursue recognition and restorative justice in Treaty 6 claim

Descendants of the Stoney Knoll First Nation, also known as the Young Chippewayan band, are making significant strides in a century-long quest for formal recognition and justice. According to reporting by CBC News on 18 August 2026, the group is working to regain its status as a First Nation after its 77-square-kilometre reserve near Laird, Saskatchewan, was illegally taken and given to settlers in the late 19th century. Gary LaPlante, a descendant from Moosomin First Nation and a councillor for Stoney Knoll, has been advocating for the band’s recognition since 1980. The community was dispersed after the government withheld treaty annuities in 1885 and subsequently removed the band from official records without consultation or consent. LaPlante described the government's actions as illegal, noting that a community once whole was scattered within a single decade. A major milestone in the pursuit of justice occurred in 2022 when Thunderchild First Nation filed a specific claim on behalf of Stoney Knoll. In 2024, the Canadian government agreed to negotiate the claim. While progress currently requires extensive genealogical research to identify descendants living across various communities—including Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and Sweetgrass First Nation—LaPlante remains optimistic, stating that reaching the point of a valid claim was a massive achievement over 100 years in the making. Indigenous Services Canada confirmed it is exploring options for band recognition, a process that can involve the creation of a new band from previously unrecognized individuals. The descendants are now seeking support from the Battleford Agency Tribal Council and the government to secure the financial resources needed to complete the restorative justice process. The effort highlights a resilient commitment to reclaiming a displaced heritage and ensuring the legacy of Chief Chippewayan is officially restored.