Summary
Governance & Leadership
Chief
- Reg Cardinal
Councillors
- Lyndon Aginas
- Darwin Alexis
- Dwayne Alexis
- Darren Kootenay
- Torbin Mustooch
- Claudette Pastion
- Gina Potts
Next Election
June 2030Term of Office
4 YearsGovernment Type
Custom Electoral System (Custom Code)Demographics
Membership (*ISC - As of July 2026)
- 2,423 total membership
- 1,421 (on-reserve)
- 1,002 (off-reserve)
Reserves
Reserve Land
hectares
14,479.10
acres
35,778.64
km²
144.79
Physical Location
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation is located 96 kilometres west of Edmonton, Alberta.
Economic Strategy
The Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation pursues a comprehensive economic vision designed to promote self-reliance, community prosperity, and sustainable growth while upholding its rich cultural heritage and Treaty rights. By establishing a robust corporate and trust framework, the Nation actively drives enterprise creation, expands commercial holdings, and creates meaningful employment opportunities for community members across Alberta. Strategic initiatives focus on leveraging land management assets, commercial construction capabilities, major industrial contracting (oil, gas, and forestry), tourism and gaming, and strategic industry partnerships. Through disciplined governance and deliberate investment management, the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation ensures economic activities generate lasting social and commercial benefits, building a resilient foundation for future generations.
Investment Readiness & Governance
- Structured wealth preservation and community investment administered through the Alexis Settlement Trust pursuant to Treaty Land Entitlement provisions.
- Establishment of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Agricultural Benefits Settlement Trust to manage legacy capital and fund member distributions, youth savings, and community priorities.
- Formal land management oversight and corporate governance structures maintained through dedicated land administration and economic development trusts.
Economic Development Administration
The Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation manages its commercial enterprises and economic development initiatives through structured business trusts and dedicated corporate entities, including the Alexis Economic Development Trust, the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Business Trust, the Alexis First Nation Business Trust, and the Alexis Group of Companies Inc. Operating under the strategic guidance of Chief and Council, these economic entities are mandated to foster economic self-determination, build diversified revenue streams, and advance commercial interests across regional markets. The corporate structure enables the Nation to pursue massive commercial joint ventures, oversee infrastructure and industrial construction projects, manage retail and entertainment hubs, and administer reserve lands effectively. By separating commercial operations from administrative governance, these entities maintain dedicated operational focus while ensuring all business growth directly aligns with community priorities.
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation - Enterprise Portfolio
Economic Development & Business Trusts
Backwoods Energy Services (Majority-Owned Entity via Alexis Group of Companies Inc.) A preeminent industrial contracting company providing comprehensive services to the oil, gas, and forestry industries across Alberta and British Columbia. Acquired in 2014, the company focuses on building lasting client relationships and driving large-scale regional projects with a strict commitment to safety and quality.
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Business Trust (Government Business Entity)
Drives major commercial investments and strategic enterprise operations to build long-term economic capacity for the Nation.
Alexis First Nation Business Trust (Government Business Entity)
Manages targeted business assets and joint commercial ventures to generate sustainable revenue and community employment opportunities.
Alexis Economic Development Trust (Government Business Entity)
Oversees commercial planning, investment management, and business development initiatives aligned with community growth goals.
Commercial & Construction Operations
Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza (Nation-Owned Enterprise) A major tourism and entertainment destination established in 2008. The facility features gaming, dining, and travel services designed to drive regional economic growth, attract tourism to the area, and provide substantial job creation for community members.
Hill Plain Construction Ltd. (Government Business Entity)
Delivers civil construction, building, and infrastructure development services across regional commercial and industrial projects.
Nakota Crossing Ltd. / Petro-Canada (Government Business Entity)
Operates key commercial retail and service infrastructure, including the Petro-Canada station and travel stop at Glenevis, serving both community members and regional highway travellers.
Alexis Land Management Corporation (Government Business Entity)
Manages reserve land development, leasing arrangements, and natural resource opportunities to maximize economic utility.
Community & Operating Entities
Alexis First Nation Housing Authority Ltd. (Wholly-Owned Subsidiary)
Oversees residential housing construction, property management, and community housing infrastructure development.
Northern ISGA Foundation ((Consolidated Operating Entity)
Supports community programming, cultural initiatives, and facility development to enhance local wellbeing.
Alexis Board of Education (Consolidated Operating Entity)
Administers educational services, community schooling facilities, and youth development programs for the Nation.
Access & Logistics Details
Primary Access:
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation (primary reserve Alexis 133) is located near Lac Ste. Anne, approximately 85 km northwest of Edmonton, AB. Primary vehicle access is via Alberta Highway 43 (a major four-lane divided corridor) connecting to secondary routes Alberta Highway 633 and Alberta Highway 765. The main reserve features year-round, paved road access with no winter road requirements.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest major commercial service hub is Edmonton International Airport (YEG), located approximately 115 km southeast, providing extensive air cargo, freighting, and commercial passenger services. For general aviation, Villeneuve Airport (CZVL) lies approximately 60 km east, and Mayerthorpe Airport (CEV5) is situated about 50 km northwest.
Nearest Commercial Hub:
Edmonton, Alberta, located approximately 85 km southeast via Highway 43 and Highway 16, serves as the primary Tier-1 commercial and industrial service center. It provides comprehensive supply chain infrastructure, heavy equipment rentals, material warehousing, fuel distribution, and technical contractors.
Rail:
Rail transportation access is provided by Canadian National (CN) Rail, which operates active main line infrastructure through the surrounding Lac Ste. Anne county region, with major intermodal rail classification yards and transfer facilities located in Edmonton.
Geographic & Logistical Notes:
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation is a Treaty 6 signatory. Contractors must engage in formal consultation and obtain appropriate permits through the Nation’s Lands and Consultation department prior to project execution. Note that the Nation consists of multiple distinct land parcels (Alexis 133 main reserve, Whitecourt 232, Cardinal River 234, and Elk River 233); planners must verify the precise location of work, as remote foothill parcels have different access requirements. Secondary provincial highways (e.g., AB-633 and AB-765) are subject to Alberta Transportation seasonal road weight bans during spring thaw.