Peter Chapman First Nation

The Peter Chapman and James Smith Bands were amalgamated as the James Smith Band in 1902, and the boundaries of James Smith Reserve were adjusted to accommodate the increased band membership. In May 1990 the James Smith Cree Nation requested that the Indian Claims Commission conduct a claim by descendants of the Peter Chapman Band in relation to the taking of their reserve and its subsequent sale. The Peter Chapman claim was rejected in 1998, and a request to the Commission to conduct an inquiry into the validity of the 1902 surrender has not been completed. As with the Chakastapaysin Band, the Peter Chapman Band is recognized at some level by governmental offices, but has not been re-established as a band independent from James Smith.

Christian Thompson