Roland Crowe’s work as a political leader and champion of the Treaty Land Entitlement settlement has changed the face of Saskatchewan for the better for First Nations and Saskatchewan citizens alike. His outstanding body of work will now see him invested into the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the province’s highest honour.

Senator Roland Crowe (middle) was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty Land Entitlement agreement that was signed in 1992 with Prime Minister Brian Mulroney on right and Premier Roy Romanow on left.

Roland Crowe was born a member of the Piapot First Nation – Treaty 4 Territory, later becoming Councillor and then spent six years as Chief. He went on to be Vice‐Chief and then Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, today known as the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). Over his career, he worked to improve housing conditions and played a key role in the development of new training and employment strategies, securing new funding for First Nations people in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Crowe’s term as Chief resulted in completion of a “Hunting‐Fishing‐Gathering” Act of the FSIN, which was an important step in the application of First Nations Treaty rights, jurisdiction and management in the area of wildlife resources.

Roland spearheaded the historic 1992 Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement, resulting in the addition of 1.6 million acres to First Nations land base. A foundational agreement on gaming with the province was one of his last achievements with the FSIN, resulting in 1,800 jobs, over 1,100 of which were First Nations people, in the gaming industry and major wealth creation for First Nations.

“The 150th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation is a year to give thanks for our many blessings, including the remarkable people who call Canada home,” Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield said.  "Those who will receive the Saskatchewan Order of Merit this year exemplify the very best of what it means to be a Canadian; they exemplify excellence, generosity, and leadership.  I congratulate and thank them, most sincerely, for their impressive contributions to our province and to our nation.”
Mr. Crowe’s long service and tireless efforts have resulted in major, positive benefits for his people and for the First Nations of Saskatchewan and Canada, which will have a lasting impact on the lives of his people for generations to come. 

With the 2017 recipients being honoured during Canada’s sesquicentennial year, congratulations to the ten extraordinary individuals who will be invested into the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the province’s highest honour.

The 2017 recipients are:

• Murad Al-Katib, Business Owner and Exporter, Regina
• June Avivi, Retired Educator, Saskatoon
• Martha Cole, Artist, Lumsden
• Roland Crowe, Retired First Nations Leader, Regina
• Rod Gantefoer, Businessman and Former Politician, Melfort
• Paul J. Hill, C.M., Businessman and Philanthropist, Regina
• Robert Laing, Former Chief Justice, Court of Queen’s Bench, Saskatoon
• Dr. Roberta McKay, Physician and Philanthropist, Regina
• Robert Mitchell, Q.C., Former Attorney General and Lawyer, Regina (Posthumous)
• Brigadier General (Ret’d) Clifford Walker, C.D., Retired Canadian Forces and Educator, Regina

The Saskatchewan Order of Merit ceremony will take place in Regina this fall with the Lieutenant Governor presiding.

Established in 1985, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit recognizes excellence, achievement and contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the province and its people.  It acknowledges individuals who have made their mark in the arts, agriculture, business, industry, community leadership, occupations, professions, public service, research and volunteer service.
For more information on provincial honours and awards and to submit nominations, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/honoursawards.