Whitecap Dakota First Nation’s Chief has been on the job for 25 years and isn’t thinking about a change in political venues right now.
When asked if he would consider running for the federal or provincial government or the Assembly of First Nations, Darcy Bear commented that he and Whitecap’s Council have been able to make changes that also help other First Nations.
For instance, Whitecap was one of the First Nations to sign a framework agreement on land management, which eliminated 25 per cent of the Indian Act, meaning First Nations could open their doors to business.
That’s quite a change from his grandfather’s day.
Bear explains that if his grandfather wanted to go to Saskatoon for supplies he would have to get a pass from the Indian Agent and if he wanted to sell his cattle or his crop, he would have to get a permit.
Whitecap has a casino and golf course and construction is almost complete on a hotel at Dakota Dunes, with a spa expected in 2020.

Whitecap is also working on an agreement with the federal government for self-governance.
Bear lists another initiative, which is the recent signing of an Memorandum of Understanding with the province and the Muskoday First Nation about the enforcement of laws in their communities.
He explains the Indian Act has no enforcement of laws, so a First Nation community can enact a bylaw or land law but it’s not enforceable.