Alphonse Bird
Chief Alphonse Bird is a member of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation. Chief Bird resides in Prince Albert, SK with his son Dalon, companion Jackie Ironstand and daughter Jasmine.
He received his elementary school education from Montreal Lake Elementary School and high school education from Carlton Comprehensive High School. He furthered his education at the West Side Community College in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Early on in his career, he worked with CAMECO and the Department of Northern Saskatchewan for a number of years. Throughout his career, Chief Alphonse Bird first became involved with Indian Government when he became Band Councilor for Montreal Lake Cree Nation where he served from 1985 to 1990, he held many portfolios, but one that would influence his future career was the economic development portfolio in which he assisted in improving housing, jobs, social conditions and strengthening the families and community of the future. His vision as a leader revolved around First Nations people attaining economic power and prosperity.
Alphonse was elected Vice Chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council in 1990. In 1993, Alphonse was elected Grand Chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) where he served in the capacity until December 199. During his tenures as Vice Chief and Grand Chief, Chief Alphonse Bird made significant contributions to the PAGC by expanding various initiatives in areas such as education, health, social development, engineering, women’s programming and justice through teamwork and commitment of PAGC staff. Under his leadership, PAGC saw the development of the Prince Albert Council Convention; The PAGC Act; the creation of the First Nation Government Unit; the establishment of the PAGC Justice Commission; the creation of the Prince Albert Development Corporation; the business arm of the Prince Albert Grand Council, which has become a prominent player within the business community. Alphonse was committed to ensuring all sectors and Nations represented received fair treatment and equal success to opportunities in business, resources and jobs thus empowering communities and building unity.
In addition, the Prince Albert Grand Council was involved in areas such as the rights before the uranium review panels, and other important matters such as the LaChance Inquiry. Chief Alphonse Bird believes that success of PAGC during his tenure was a direct result of the Chief and Council Members commitment to enhance and create a better way of life for their people.
Some of the Boards of Directors that Alphonse served were:
- Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT)
- Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation
- Saskatchewan Police Commission
- Casino Regina
- Prince Albert Police Board
- Waskegun Prince Albert Homeless Shelter for Men
- Women’s Commission of Prince Albert Grand Council
- Prince Albert Development Corporation ( President)
- Prince Albert Grand Council Health Commission ( Chair person)
In January 2000, Alphonse became General Manager of the Northern Lights Casino, which is one of Prince Albert’s top entertainment venues, and the largest First Nation casino in Saskatchewan. The Northern Lights Casino is also one of the largest employers in the city of Prince Albert, employing over 420 full and part time people. With so many jobs created, the economic impact has been felt throughout the city and surrounding areas. His experiences have provided a solid foundation to identify other opportunities for First Nations people in Saskatchewan.
On October 16, 2003, Alphonse Bird was elected to the position of Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Chief Bird looks forward to being part of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, and remains committed to creating and enhancing a better way of life for First Nations people.