Chief Darcy Bear

Chief Darcy Bear

Darcy Bear is the Chief of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, located 26 kilometres south of the City of Saskatoon. Chief Bear grew up in Whitecap, attending high school at Nutana Collegiate in Saskatoon. He received an accounting diploma in 1989 and attended the University of Saskatchewan for two years in the College of Commerce. Chief Bear is 39 years old and is married with three children. His dedication to First Nations people has spanned more than a decade.

In 1991, Darcy Bear was elected to the Council of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. In 1994 he became Chief and is currently serving his fourth term. During his tenure, Chief Bear has been instrumental in creating a Community Sustainability Plan that has positioned Whitecap as a leader among First Nations across the country.

Chief Bear initiated a Governance and Administration Program to improve accountability and fiscal responsibility on the Whitecap Reserve. These accountability practices led to the alleviation of a 40% deficit on Reserve and allowed for a Financial Transfer Agreement with the Department of Indian Affairs in 1996.

Partnerships with First Nations and Non-First Nations organizations have been key to the continued success of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, under Chief Bear’s leadership. Economic development partnerships have resulted in a mechanical company, an electrical company and the Dakota Dunes Golf Course. Service partnerships have been developed with the Saskatoon Public Board of Education and the Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services.

Chief Bear plans to build on the success of partnerships for the next phase of economic development at Whitecap, which includes a Casino, Hotel-Trade and Convention Centre, and a Clubhouse for Dakota Dunes. Partnerships with surrounding towns and rural municipalities have already been developed that will enhance tourism and infrastructure development for the entire region.

Through partnerships and joint venture projects, Chief Bear has helped to foster relationships between First Nations and Non First-Nations people. Chief Bear is a passionate supporter of the links being created between the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Communities in Saskatchewan, to improve the economic and social prosperity for all. Chief Bear continues to play instrumental roles on numerous boards and commissions to enhance the future of First Nations people in Saskatchewan and Canada.