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Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Alberta — July 13, 2025—Chief Dale Steinhauer of Saddle Lake Cree Nation is calling for calm, respect, and unity following a ‘July 2 meeting’ where tensions ran high. Steinhauer says the backlash toward the newly elected leadership is part of a troubling pattern—and that it raises concerning questions about how we treat one another, especially when it comes to gender and power in leadership.
“Each time new leadership is elected—especially when that leadership includes people calling for change—there is immediate hostile pushback,” said Chief Steinhauer. “It’s time to ask ourselves why this keeps happening and how we can move forward in a better way.”
Chief Steinhauer thanked the many members who came to the meeting in person and online and who reached out to her afterward and voiced their distress and concern. She committed to addressing those concerns through communication, accountability and transparency alongside Cree values. But she also made it clear that bullying, harassment, and public disrespect—especially during community meetings—cannot be allowed to continue.
“Our children are watching. We need to model kindness, strength, and honesty—not division and disrespect,” she said.
Steinhauer reminds the community that the current Chief and Council were elected on June 18, 2025. The day after the election, a pipe ceremony was held to mark the beginning of their leadership. That ceremony was followed by a public inauguration where the elected leaders further affirmed their responsibilities before the community and Creator in another pipe ceremony.
“These ceremonies matter. They are sacred. They cannot be undone by one meeting or by motions from a small group of people,” said Chief Steinhauer. “We must honour the voices of the many who voted—not just the few who are unhappy with the results.”
Chief Steinhauer also expressed concern over a broader pattern that undermines the governance and ceremonial foundations of Saddle Lake Cree Nation. This includes a growing disregard for both the rule of law and for Cree laws—especially those embodied in the electoral process and traditional sacred pipe ceremonies. She pointed to past problematic actions, such as the denial of voting rights to Nation members in 2022, and again in 2025, despite a court order. Most recently, certain individuals sought again to seize control under the guise of a band membership meeting.
“This kind of behavior undermines our original laws, any form of governance we have, and disrespects the people who were allowed to vote,” said Chief Steinhauer. “It weakens our Nation’s ability to grow and heal in a good way.”
She also pointed out that these repeated disruptions damage the Nation’s ability to focus on healing, growth, nation building, treaty advocacy and long-term planning. “Every time we go through this, it slows down the work that needs to happen for our youth, our Elders, and our future.”
Chief Steinhauer ended with a message of hope and determination. “Change can be hard—but it is necessary. Let’s walk through the discomfort together, with respect, ceremony, and love for our Nation.”