The Four Bands

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Encompassing nearly 75,000 acres of arable Alberta flatland, the 6,000 plus members of the Four Bnads of Hobbema dwell in relative harmony.

The fertile land is, in most cases, suitable for agricultural crops including wheat, oats, barley and canola.

Oil boons have also figured in the financial independence of the Four Bands.

Annual royalties, paid out according to population size, have helped to create the successes of today.

Several of the bands have invested in off-reserve businesses and are showing good progress. Band members are employed in many of these business ventures, creating employment opportunities.

Heavy construction and housing companies are active on the reserves and progressive businesses and schools are predominant.

Sports programs and youth involvement programs are everywhere ? creating a positive atmosphere for the youth of the Four Bands.

Education facilities, recreation outlets, and beautifully designed and funcational band administration offices ? all sign of positive growth.

Where did it all begin?

1. In the mid 1800's a Cree chief named Ermineskin picked the Hobbema area to settle in. The chief signed Treaty 6 in 1876.

2. Chief Louis Bull signed Treaty 8 in September of 1877. The Louis Bull Band part of the Ermineskin Band until their own reserve was established in 1909, was named after one of its first chiefs.

3. In 1890 the Montana Band took its name from the memories of the years spent in the state of Montana. Signing Treaty 6 at Blackfoot Crossing in 1877 that band settled near the Hobbema area.

4. In 1879 the Samson Band joined the four Bands of Hobbema. That was two years after they signed Treaty 6 in 1877.

Some of the Elders tell the story differently. They go back before that time and tell it like this.

Prior to 1885 most of those we know today as the Four Bands, were already here. A chief named Bobtail (as the legend goes) signed the treaty in 1877 and was the first to select the Hobbema area for himself.

The story goes that Bobtail's brother Ermineskin, next in line for chief, apparently asked his brother if indeed he could become chief.

Due to a lack of followers, Bobtail loaned some of his band members to Ermineskin in order to bring the tally up to sufficient numbers.

This is how Ermineskin is said to have become chief, by appointment of his brother.

The reserve, at this time was split to accommodate the two chiefs.

Soon after Bobtail left the area.

Ermineskin's two councilmen (and his relatives through marriage), Samson and Louis Bull became involved. Samson, also wishing to become chief, was given the same share that Bobtail once had. When Louis Bull demanded that he also become chief the reserve was split even further.

Bobtail, Ermineskin, Samson and Louis Bull are said in the story, to be all one family.

Regardless of the authenticity of the story told by the Elders the community is thriving today.

The Four Bands population has a good employment rate and the many progressive businesses and band sponsored programs are evident for all to see.