WHITE BEAR FIRST NATIONS - Annette Lonechild is into her second year as the chief of the White Bear First Nations, having been elected in June of 2021. At that time, Lonechild moved home from Calgary where she had been employed in the Indigenous oilfield industry.
Lonechild is proud to be the leader of White Bear First Nations. She has over 30 years of Indigenous service. She has been either the chief or a councillor of the White Bear First Nation for over 20 years.
And she has an oilfield industry background from her tenure in Calgary and brings years of experience and leadership to White Bear.
“I am honoured to be the leader of this progressive First Nation,” she said. “My first priority and focus are and always will be with my people. One of our biggest obstacles concerns making proper priorities and being receptive to change.
“Preferential housing to women with families, developing a mental health and wellness strategy inclusive of men’s needs and future community supports are all very important to me.”
Lonechild has also been focusing her energy in finalizing White Bear’s land claims settlement with the federal government, working together with the Pheasant Rump and Ocean Man First Nations. Formal approval of this agreement is expected soon at which time new housing and replacing aging infrastructure will become a reality.
She is proud of how White Bear has moved forward over the years and considers her First Nation to be very progressive. “Our nation is well on its way to adapting to newer technologies. We have veteran and experienced employees in our offices and are always the first of 74 nations to be audited every spring. The incidence of crime is quite low. We are making great strides in improving our community health and safety standards to help our members who were impacted coming out of COVID-19 and the ongoing challenging economy.
“White Bear is well known as a progressive First Nation, and we get along well with our neighbours and surrounding communities. We have one of the top five golf courses in the province, a beautiful lake that is perfect for summer boating, swimming, and fishing. We have a great casino and a great hotel that have created many employment opportunities for our people.
“At the White Bear Lake Resort, including Good Bird’s Point, there are over 600 residences on our lands with many being renovated or recently built. Obviously, there are many who feel White Bear First Nations is a great place to live and play.”
Lonechild also wishes to acknowledge two of the band’s most important relationships. “We consider the Town of Carlyle to be our home. Our band works well together with their local council, and we appreciate the friendship and welcoming interaction between our communities. We also work well with the local RCMP detachment and thank them for their service.”
Lonechild is the daughter of Francis and Yvonne Lonechild. Her grandmother on her mother’s side was Elsie McArthur (Joyea). Her great grandmother was Maggie Joyea, who was the daughter of the first chief of White Bear.
“I am really looking forward to 2023 and beyond’” she added. “I am totally committed to my people with my eyes looking forward and my feet on the ground.”
