Kainai Nation

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The Kainai Nation (or Kainawa, or Blood Tribe) is a First Nation in southern Alberta, Canada with a population of 7,437 members in 2005[1]. They are part of the "Blackfoot (Nitsitapii) Confederacy."[2]

Kainai translates directly to "Many Chief" (from Aka - "many" and Nina - "chief") while 'Kainai' translates directly to "Many Chief people." The common English name for the tribe is the "Blood tribe."

At the time treaties such as Treaty 7 were signed, the Kainai were situated on the Oldman, Belly, and St. Mary rivers west of Lethbridge, Alberta. The Kainai reserve Blood 148 is currently the largest in Canada with 3,852 inhabitants [3] on 1,414.03km² and is located approximately 200 kilometres south of Calgary.

[edit] Government

The Kainai Nation is governed by an elected council of twelve, with one chief. The term of office is four years. Historical chiefs of the Kainai are below:

  • Chief Roy Fox (1980-1996)
  • Chief Chris Shade (1996-2004)
  • Chief Charles Weasel Head (2004-present)

[edit] References

  1. ^ Alberta Municipal Affairs - 2005 Official Population list - Indian Registered Population. December 2005. Retreived on 24 September 2006.
  2. ^ Blood Indians - Catholic Encyclopedia article
  3. ^ Statistics Canada - 2001 Census Aboriginal Population Profile

[edit] External links



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