Chief Darcy Bear | Whitecap Dakota Nation

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 WDN. 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 Treaty

Intergovernmental Affairs

Whitecap Dakota Reconciliation Treaty

Economic Development

Major Capital

Own Source Revenue

Gaming

Housing

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.

Chief Bear's Awards, Accolades and Accomplishments

2020 – Appointment to the Order of Canada

2016 – Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Hall of Lifetime Achievement Award

2015 – Chief Bear Business Park (Whitecap, Saskatchewan)

2015 – Chief Darcy Bear Park (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)

2015 – Peace Tower Flag

2014 - Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree, University of Saskatchewan

2013 – Grandey Leadership Honouree

2012 – Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

2012 – War of 1812 National Recognition Ceremony

2011 – Saskatchewan Order of Merit

2009 – Circle of Honour Award for Community-Based First Nation Business