Kehewin Cree Nation
Summary
Governance & Leadership
Chief
- Vernon Watchmaker
Councillors
- Laurelle Downey
- Craig Gladue
- Shannon Hambly
- Arnold John
- Jamie John
- Judy Youngchief
- Tyler Youngchief
Next Election
October 2027Term of Office
3 YearsGovernment Type
Custom Electoral System (Custom Code)Demographics
Membership (*ISC - As of June 2026)
- 2,642 total membership
- 1,428 (on-reserve)
- 1,214 (off-reserve)
Reserves
Reserve Land
hectares
8,225.00
acres
20,324.42
km²
82.25
Physical Location
Kehewin Cree Nation is located 233 kilometers northeast of Edmonton, Alberta.
Economic Strategy
Kehewin Cree Nation drives sustainable economic development by balancing natural resource advancement, commercial investments, and robust community infrastructure. By prioritizing long-term independence and local capacity, the Nation proactively fosters local enterprise, creates meaningful employment opportunities, and expands essential services for its membership. Strategic commercial investments span key industries, including oilfield services, utility management, power generation, civil contracting, and retail operations. These economic initiatives generate steady own-source revenue while supporting fundamental community improvements, such as modern housing projects, healthcare upgrades, clean water infrastructure, and enhanced educational facilities. Through strategic commercial partnerships and structured financial management, Kehewin Cree Nation continues to build a resilient, self-sustaining economic foundation for present and future generations.
Investment Readiness & Governance
- Kehewin Legacy Trust established to safeguard long-term revenues, settlement capital, and community investment funds.
- Strategic equity ownership in major regional power generation infrastructure, including natural gas power facilities.
- Active management of specialized settlement trusts overseeing treaty land entitlement and specific claim resources.
- Dedicated governance structure directing community enterprises, corporate joint ventures, and strategic industry partnerships.
Economic Development Administration
Kehewin Cree Nation oversees its commercial operations and strategic investments through dedicated business entities and specialized investment vehicles, including Kehewin Resources Limited and the Kehewin Power Trust Corporation. Operating under the governance of community leadership, these commercial entities direct local business operations, advance resource exploration opportunities on Nation land, and cultivate high-value corporate partnerships across regional markets. The strategy centers on generating sustainable own-source revenue, expanding asset portfolios, and driving economic self-sufficiency. By investing in regional energy initiatives, expanding commercial retail hubs, and maintaining strong joint-venture equity partnerships across civil contracting, transportation, and oilfield services, the Nation’s economic governance structure ensures prudent stewardship of resources. Through proactive management and business development, Kehewin Cree Nation continues to expand its commercial presence and support long-term community infrastructure and economic growth.
Kehewin Cree Nation - Enterprise Portfolio
Commercial Operations & Business Entities
Kehewin Resources Limited (Wholly-owned Enterprise)
Generates commercial revenue through natural resource development and active drilling operations on reserve lands.
681415 Alberta Ltd. (o/a Kehewin Gasification) (Wholly-owned Subsidiary)
Delivers specialized utility and gasification services to support local energy infrastructure and community growth.
Kwayaskwaw Contracting Ltd. (Wholly-owned Subsidiary)
Provides civil construction, earthworks, and infrastructure contracting services across regional projects.
Kehewin Travel Centre (Wholly-owned Enterprise)
Operates retail fuel and convenience services, delivering essential commercial amenities to community members and travelers.
Kehewin Trucking Ltd. (Wholly-owned Subsidiary)
Supplies commercial transportation, hauling, and logistics solutions across regional industry sectors.
Kehewin Power Trust (Investment Vehicle)
Holds strategic equity interests in regional clean energy and power infrastructure projects.
Joint Ventures & Industry Partnerships
Indigenous Communities Syndicate Limited Partnership (Limited Partnership)
Participates in major power infrastructure investments, including combined-cycle natural gas electricity generation facilities.
Seven Lakes Oilfield Services Limited Partnership (Limited Partnership)
Delivers comprehensive oilfield maintenance, environmental management, and industrial support services throughout the energy sector.
Pimee Well Servicing Limited Partnership (Limited Partnership)
Offers specialized well servicing, rig operations, and technical energy services to major oil and gas producers.
Pimee Well Services Ltd. (Corporate Partnership)
Provides management oversight and operational governance for energy sector service partnerships.
Pimee Kehewin General Store Limited Partnership (Limited Partnership)
Manages local retail operations to supply essential goods and groceries to the community.
SLS Metalworks & Fabricating Limited Partnership (Limited Partnership)
Delivers industrial metal fabrication, structural welding, and custom manufacturing solutions.
Access & Logistics Details
Primary Access:
Kehewin Cree Nation (Kehewin 123) is situated in east-central Alberta along Alberta Highway 41, approximately 20 km south of Bonnyville and 23 km north of Elk Point. The primary year-round vehicular route from Edmonton (approx. 230 km west-southwest) utilizes Highway 28 eastbound, connecting to Highway 41 northbound or southbound depending on the access point. Access routes consist of paved, all-weather provincial highways, requiring no seasonal ice or winter roads.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest local aviation facility is the Bonnyville Airport (YBY), situated roughly 20 km north, featuring a asphalt runway suitable for charter, light commercial, and MEDEVAC operations. CFB Cold Lake / Cold Lake Regional Airport (YOD) lies approximately 60 km northeast. The primary Tier-1 commercial hub for scheduled passenger and heavy air cargo transport is Edmonton International Airport (YEG), located approximately 270 km southwest via Highway 28 and Highway 2.
Nearest Commercial Hub:
The town of Bonnyville (20 km north) serves as the primary local service center for fuel, light industrial supplies, and daily services. The city of Cold Lake (60 km northeast) provides additional regional commercial capabilities. Edmonton, Alberta, located roughly 230 km west-southwest, functions as the primary Tier-1 commercial hub, supplying heavy equipment, specialized logistics, major manufacturing, and bulk distribution services.
Rail:
Canadian National Railway (CN) operates freight rail infrastructure in the surrounding Lakeland region. The nearest major active intermodal rail terminals, bulk loading yards, and classification facilities are situated in the Edmonton industrial corridor.
Geographic & Logistical Notes:
Kehewin Cree Nation is a Treaty 6 First Nation. Contractors and project developers must follow proper duty-to-consult protocols and secure necessary permissions or Band Council Resolutions (BCRs) prior to mobilizing equipment or beginning operations on reserve lands. Seasonal operational constraints include severe sub-zero winter conditions (-30°C or lower) requiring equipment winterization, as well as Alberta Ministry of Transportation spring axle-weight restrictions (breakup) on local secondary roads typically enforced between March and May.