Ermineskin First Nation – Loretta Pete

Fingers are being pointed at the recent election on the Ermineskin First Nation July 19, 2025 supervised by ‘Election Officer’ Loretta Joy Pete Lambert. New chief is Joel Mykat, who was elected with 250 votes. Mykat begins his three-year term October 1.

Craig Makinaw came second with 179 votes, followed by Dennis Whitebear with 153, Anne M. Wildcat with 149, Laurelle White with 89 and Daniel Wildcat with 54. Nominations for four councillor positions were held August 23, with the election held August 30. Cory Littlechild – 337, Craig Makinaw – 285, Tamara Wildcat -280, Arlene Jackie Littlechild – 279. The Ermineskin Cree Nation (Reserve #138) is a member of the Four Nations of Maskwacis, Alberta – located about fifty miles south of Edmonton on Highway 2A, halfway between the towns of Ponoka and Wetaskiwin. In 2019, there are 4,879 registered Ermineskin Cree, of which 3,290 were living on reserve.

Allegations have not been spelled out in detail to this space, but the fact Loretta Joy Pete Lambert was in charge of the results gives a good reason to question their legitimacy.

Ermineskin Cree Nation revived a Federal lawsuit over human right to clean, safe water. All potable water on Ermineskin Cree Nation is trucked in. Well water is unsafe. Drinking water on reserves has long been an issue in Canada. In 2021, Ottawa settled a class-action lawsuit with First Nations that provided $1.5 billion to improve water treatment.