James Smith First Nation

The James Smith First Nation is a Cree First Nation band government whose reserve is in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada. James Smith has one Indian reserve Fort à la Corne #100 located north of Kinistino near Fort de la Corne on the Saskatchewan River. This reserve is shared between three first nations, the other two being the Peter Chapman First Nation and Chakastaypasin First Nation. James Smith has a present population of 2,412, with the on-reserve population estimated to be at 1,592 members. James Smith is part of the Prince Albert Grand Council. Bordering the reserve are the rural municipalities of Kinistino No. 459 and Torch River No. 488, as well as the Cumberland 100A Indian reserve.

Current Chiefs: Robert Head, Calvin Sanderson, Justin Burns, Hello Burns

The First Nation takes its name after Chief James Smith, a brother of Chief John Smith who founded the Muskoday First Nation.

Smith, who originated from the Saint Peter's Reserve in Manitoba, signed Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton in 1876. The population at the time of the signing was 134 members or 32 families. The original language spoken was Cree. Smith, alongside John, migrated to the area from the Red River district of Manitoba, and his Cree name has been recorded as `Notaw(k)eecheekanis'.

However, the term `nihtawikhicikanis means 'good growing area' and is better applied to the community rather than the chief.

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