Stan Cuthand

Stan Cuthand

Lifetime (2009)

Stan Cuthand saw in the church an opportunity to get a higher education, to be of service to his people, and a means of bridging cultural and language barriers. He seized that opportunity and it became his life. Throughout his life Rev. Cuthand’s command of the Cree language acted to facilitate change and engage Cree-speaking peoples in decision making processes both large and small. Working in his early years as an interpreter for Elders and Chiefs at meetings with Indian Affairs, his advocacy has spanned decades, highlighted by his involvement drafting the first constitution of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians. The first person to teach Cree at the University level, Rev. Cuthand has translated the speeches of Big Bear and Poundmaker, and contributed to the curriculum of First Nations and History departments.