Chief Darcy Bear has dedicated himself to the betterment of his community and our nation since being elected to Council in 1991 at the age of 23. In 1993, Darcy was elected as Chief of Whitecap, and is currently serving his 27th year as Chief of WDFN. As Whitecap’s leader, Chief Bear has always maintained a focus on community development, and has worked to bring greater fiscal accountability, transparency and good governance to the community. He has been widely recognized for his economic, business and community development achievements and has received numerous awards to recognize these accomplishments.
Today, Whitecap enjoys a reputation as one of Canada’s most successful communities in investment attraction and job creation. Chief Bear’s focus on “progress through partnerships’ has been pivotal to this status as he and Band Council have worked with the federal government, the provincial government, neighbouring rural municipalities and communities in the region.
The focus on sustainable economic growth includes the positioning of Whitecap as a highly desirable joint venture partner and the fact that the number of jobs located at Whitecap is now in excess of 650. To Chief Bear, the most important outcome of sustainable economic growth is the ability of Whitecap to provide an increased level of services to its citizens.
The list of service and amenity enhancements at Whitecap is lengthy during Chief Bear's time in office.
Major Projects, Investments and Enhancements in Whitecap |
1996 - New Elementary School 1996 - Community Water and Sewer Infrastructure 1999 - Public Waste Disposal System 2001 - Waste Transfer Station 2002 - Three Phase power and expanded Natural Gas 2004 - High Speed Internet and Cellular service 2006 - Expanded sewer and water including large commercial Water plant Paved community roads 2002 - 2009 - 60 new Housing units 2008 - Development of 49 lot Private Home Ownership subdivision 2008 - 2009 Establish RCMP service on reserve 2009 - Development of new retail facilities Development of a for profit water utility 2010 - Expanded Health Clinic and enhanced health services 2016 - Charles Red Hawk School Expansion 2016 - Early Learning Centre 2020 - Dakota Dunes Hotel |
In addition to overseeing all programs and services in Whitecap, Chief Bear is responsible for the following portfolios within the community.
Chief Bear's Portfolios |
Self-Government
Intergovernmental Affairs Dakota Reconciliation Economic Development Finance Major Capital Taxation Gaming Housing Public Works & Infrastructure Lands & Agriculture |
As a result of the well-acknowledged development and community development success at Whitecap, Chief Bear participates on the Boards of Whitecap committees and offers his knowledge and experience to many external organizations and boards.
Chief Bear's Committees and Boards |
2016 – Present - Chair, SaskPower
2015 – Present - Board Member, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Institution 2014 – Present - Board Member, Peace Hills Trust 2009 – Present - Chair, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies 2014 - Present - Board Member, Lands Advisory Board 2019 – Present - Board Member, Indigenous Bloom 2018 – Present - Board Member, Bank of Montreal Indigenous Advisory Council 2020 – Present - Board Member, First Nations Capital & Infrastructure of Saskatchewan 1997 – Present - Chair, Whitecap Development Corporation 1994 – Present - Board Member, Saskatoon Tribal Council Past Boards 2009 – 2011 - Board Member, SaskTel 2009 – 2010 - Board Member, Enterprise Saskatchewan 1999 – 2001 - Board Member, Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation |
Chief Darcy Bear has been recognized for his commitment to his community, the region and Canada and has received many awards and honorary certificates.
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