About SKY Nations
The Sovereign Keewatin Yahthi Nations Grand Council (SKY Nations) brings together 11 Ininew and Denesuline First Nations in Northern Manitoba.
SKY Nations was formally established when the 11 Nations signed the Grand Council Constitution on December 17, 2025. It provides a collective political voice for the Nations to work together on shared priorities and issues affecting their people, lands and communities.
While each Nation remains distinct, with its own leadership, culture, laws and authority, SKY Nations creates an opportunity to come together where there are shared interests.
Our work is grounded in First Nations sovereignty, Treaty and inherent rights, responsible stewardship of the land and water, and building a stronger future for generations to come.
Together, we are 11 Nations, with One United Voice.
Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot serves as the political leader and representative of SKY Nations.
Working with the Chiefs and Councillors of the 11 member Nations, the Grand Chief helps advance the Grand Council’s collective priorities and direction.
The Grand Chief represents SKY Nations in relationships with governments, organizations, industry and other partners, helping ensure the voices of the member Nations are heard on matters that affect their people, rights and territories.
The role is rooted in respect for First Nations sovereignty, Treaty and inherent rights, and the importance of working together as Nations.
SKY Nations Governance
SKY Nations is guided by the Grand Council Constitution, which was signed by the 11 member Nations in December 2025.
The governance structure brings together the Grand Chief, Chiefs and Councillors of the member Nations, along with a Citizen's to share perspectives, plus staff and advisors who support the work of the Grand Council.
The Grand Council provides the overall collective political direction of SKY Nations. The Grand Chief represents the collective voice of the Nations and provides external political leadership. The Leadership Summit brings together the Grand Chief, Chiefs and Councillors of the 11 Nations to discuss shared priorities and provide collective direction. The elected Citizens Advisory Group provides an opportunity for citizen perspectives to help inform the work of SKY Nations.
Together, these parts of the organization help SKY Nations build a strong foundation for collective political leadership, Nation building and self-determination.
For more information, contact:
Lena Joseph
Governance Advisor, SKY Nations
ljoseph@ktc.ca
431-222-3059 Ext 8019
Citizens Advisory Group
The SKY Nations Citizens Advisory Group provides an opportunity for citizens to share their perspectives and help inform the work of the Grand Council. The group’s purpose is to advise and support SKY Nations’ governance work, and the goal is to help ensure that the work of SKY Nations stays connected to the people and communities it serves.
Our current Citizens Advisory Group includes many experienced leaders from the communities we serve, including:
Joe Hyslop, Northlands Denesuline, Former Chief
April Tawipism, Barren Lands First Nation, Owner of the Turtle Woman Indigenous Wear
Robert Wavey, Fox Lake Cree, Nation Former Chief
Ila Boussidour, Sayisi Dene First Nation, Former Chief and Author
Keith Peskoonas, Gods Lake First Nation, Lands Manager and Advisor
Emile Garson, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Former Chief
Joe Hyslop
April Tawipism
Robert Wavey
Ila Bussidor
Kieth Peskoonas
Emile Garson
11 Nations.
One United Voice.
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