Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan: History, Things to Do and Travel Guide
Montreal Lake Cree Nation is a boreal First Nation community north of Prince Albert, tied to Treaty 6 history, Montreal Lake, Little Red River connections, recreation facilities, and Cree cultural continuity. It is best visited with a clear purpose and respect for community protocols.
How Montreal Lake Cree Nation Started
Montreal Lake Cree Nation’s official history places the community within Treaty 6. It explains that Treaty 6 was negotiated in 1876 with Plains and Wood Cree and other First Nations, and that Montreal Lake Cree Band signed an adhesion to Treaty 6 under Chief William Charles on February 11, 1889.
The same history records that the treaty adhesion led to reserve lands for the Montreal Lake Band. Montreal Lake Indian Reserve 106 was surveyed and set apart, and Montreal Lake Indian Reserve 106B was later created after the 1948 division of a larger reserve shared with Lac La Ronge.
This land history remains important because the First Nation’s own mission statement focuses on rights to land and resources, culture, language, self-government, and self-determination. The community cannot be understood only as a lake settlement; it is a political, cultural, and family community with treaty history at its centre.
What Montreal Lake Cree Nation Is Like Today
Montreal Lake 106 had a 2021 Census population of 1,015. The First Nation describes itself as a distinct First Nation among the Aboriginal peoples of Canada, with a shared historical and cultural heritage and a common political consciousness.
The community’s present life includes administration, education, health, social services, justice, finance, sports and recreation, Elders, events, and Little Red Reserve connections. For travellers, this means Montreal Lake is lived-in first. A visit should be tied to family, work, public events, recreation schedules, or careful northern route planning.
The boreal setting matters. Montreal Lake and nearby forest roads shape the landscape, while Prince Albert and the wider northern highway network provide regional access. Services should be confirmed rather than assumed.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
Start with the official history page. It gives the clearest public explanation of Treaty 6, the 1889 adhesion, reserve lands, and the connection between Montreal Lake 106 and 106B.
If visiting for recreation, check current community information. The Sports & Recreation page lists a program focused on physical activity, year-round recreation, sports groups, active living, and arena use. Winter schedules can include skating, hockey, broomball, bingos, and canteen activity, but visitors should confirm what is public before arriving.
Community events are another reason to visit. The First Nation website posts news, events, and notices, including cultural days and other updates when available.
Montreal Lake is also part of a broader northern route from Prince Albert into lake and forest country. Keep travel plans simple: confirm road conditions, event details, permissions, and services, then leave time for weather or schedule changes.
Quick Facts
- Province: Saskatchewan
- Region: Northern Saskatchewan
- Population: 1,015 in the 2021 Census for Montreal Lake 106
- Community type: Cree First Nation community and Indian reserve
- Official website: https://mlcn.ca/
- Main travel areas: Montreal Lake, community facilities, Treaty 6 history, sports and recreation facilities, Little Red Reserve context
- Key routes: Northern roads from the Prince Albert region toward Montreal Lake and nearby communities
Travel Notes
Plan ahead and check local information before visiting. Recreation facilities, public events, and community services may change by season. Visitors should respect residential areas, cultural spaces, and local guidance, and should treat Montreal Lake as a living First Nation community rather than a casual sightseeing stop.