Chief and Council
Chief Zachary Whitecap
Tansi! Welcome to Treaty 5 territory where our homelands are situated.
Chief Zachary Whitecap is the elected Chief of Mîhkoskowakâhk Nêhiyawak (Red Earth Cree Nation) and a longstanding community leader committed to Treaty, Indigenous governance, and the well-being of his people. He was first appointed to Red Earth Cree Nation Council in 2020 and was elected Chief in 2023. He continues to serve as Chief following the Nation’s 2026 election.
Born and raised within Cree traditional territory, Chief Whitecap’s leadership is grounded in a strong connection to the lands, culture, heritage, and values of Red Earth Cree Nation. His experience spans governance leadership, business development, community advocacy, and grassroots organizing, including work related to land rights, environmental protection, and social justice.
As Chief, he has emphasized community engagement, transparency, collaboration, and the exercise of Red Earth Cree Nation’s inherent rights and responsibilities. His leadership priorities include health, education, economic development, infrastructure, cultural preservation, lands and resources, and creating greater opportunities for Nation members. He works alongside Elders, Council, community members, governments, and other partners while advocating for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.
Chief Whitecap has also contributed to the articulation and revitalization of Red Earth Cree Nation’s own legal traditions. He was among the community knowledge holders and leadership acknowledged in the Nation’s work documenting Mîhkoskowakâhk Nêhiyawak legal orders, including teachings concerning Treaty, decision-making, responsibility, consequence, forgiveness, and relationships.
His leadership reflects a vision of Red Earth Cree Nation as a strong and self-determining Nation—one that honours the spirit and intent of Treaty 5, protects its lands and people, strengthens Cree language and culture, and builds the governance and economic foundations necessary for future generations.
Vice Chief Calehan Head
Vice Chief Calehan Head is a member of Mîhkoskowakâhk Nêhiyawak (Red Earth Cree Nation) and a longstanding community leader whose work has focused on governance, youth, family well-being, community development, and the exercise of the Nation’s own authority.
Calehan has served Red Earth Cree Nation in elected leadership for several years. He was elected Vice-Chief in 2023, receiving the highest number of votes among Council candidates that year, and continues to serve in the Nation’s leadership.
A central part of his leadership has been his commitment to young people. As holder of the Youth Portfolio, Vice Chief Head has emphasized that youth are central to the future of Red Earth Cree Nation and that leadership has a responsibility to listen to their voices, understand their needs, and create opportunities that allow them to thrive. In the Nation’s 2023 Youth Assembly report, he highlighted youth resilience, creativity, education, cultural preservation, and community engagement, describing investment in youth as an investment in the future of the Nation.
That work has included listening directly to young people about what they want for their community. Youth identified priorities ranging from employment, recreation and education to Cree language learning, healing gatherings, safe housing, mental-health supports, suicide prevention, community safety, and stronger opportunities to remain connected to culture.
Vice Chief Head has also carried responsibilities connected to children and families and the exercise of First Nations jurisdiction. He has served as the portfolio holder involved in Red Earth Cree Nation’s work concerning Bill C-92 and child and family services, including community information sessions focused on the Nation’s authority to exercise jurisdiction in this area.
At the centre of Vice Chief Calehan Head’s leadership is a commitment to listening to the community, strengthening families, supporting young people, and creating the conditions for Mîhkoskowakâhk Nêhiyawak to determine its own future.
Councillor Cheryl McKay
Councillor Cheryl McKay is a member of Red Earth Cree Nation and an educator, Cree language speaker, and community leader committed to strengthening culture, language, education, and the well-being of her Nation.
Her commitment to education and cultural revitalization has been evident throughout her professional journey. Cheryl completed the Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) at the University of Saskatchewan, where she was recognized with an Aboriginal Student Achievement Award for leadership both inside and outside the classroom. During her teaching internship at W.P. Bate Community School, Cheryl recognized the need for greater Cree language programming. As a fluent Cree speaker, she incorporated Cree language, cultural values, and First Nations perspectives into classroom learning and created opportunities for younger students to learn and celebrate the language.
Cheryl brings this same commitment to her leadership as a Councillor for Red Earth Cree Nation. Her background in education and language provides an important foundation for her work in community governance, where she values the connections between strong families, cultural identity, language, education, and the future of the Nation.
Grounded in her Nêhiyaw identity and connection to Red Earth Cree Nation, Cheryl believes in creating opportunities for younger generations to know who they are, understand where they come from, and carry their language and culture forward. Her leadership reflects a commitment to community service, cultural continuity, and building a strong future for the generations to come.
Councillor Charlie McKay
Welcome to the profile of Councillor Charlie McKay, a respected member and advocate for the Red Earth Cree Nation. Councillor Charlie McKay is a dedicated leader who brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving their community. Born and raised within the traditional lands of the Cree people, Charlie has always been deeply connected to the culture, heritage, and values that define our people.
With a background in community development and governance, Charlie has dedicated himself to representing the interests and needs of the Red Earth Cree Nation. He has a proven track record of working collaboratively with community members, elders, and government agencies to address key issues facing their community. As a Councillor, Charlie is passionate about social justice, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment within Indigenous communities. He is committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote sustainable development, cultural preservation, and improved quality of life for all members of the Red Earth Cree Nation.
Beyond his role as a Councillor, Charlie is actively involved in various community initiatives, contributing hisr time and expertise to support the well-being and prosperity of the community. Councillor Charlie McKay remains dedicated to serving the Red Earth Cree Nation with integrity, compassion, and a vision for a brighter future for all members of the community.
Councillor Hendrick Head
Councillor Hendrick Head
Hendrick Head is a proud member of Mîhkoskowakâhk Nêhiyawak (Red Earth Cree Nation) and a community leader whose work has centred on justice, family well-being, education, health, youth development, and Nation building.
Hendrick comes from a family with a long history of community leadership. He is the son of the late Red Earth Cree Nation Chief and Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice-Chief Treasurer Pastor Alvin W. Head and Prissa Head. He and his wife, Angela D. Head, have built their life around family, community, and service.
Hendrick has more than two decades of professional and community experience. His work has included roles in youth development, family support, education programming, health, justice, strategic negotiations, and community safety. His experience includes serving as a Youth Development Worker, Brighter Futures Coordinator, NCCFS Family Support Worker, Education Program Manager, PAGC Justice Worker, Executive Assistant with the Strategic Negotiations Branch, and Health Project Lead. He has also served as Chair of the Red Earth Cree Nation Peace and Safety Taskforce.
His leadership is strengthened by a long record of volunteer service. Hendrick has contributed to community gatherings, wakes and funerals as an MC, recreational hockey, the Red Earth Cree Nation Golf Committee, and other community initiatives.
As Councillor, Hendrick’s priorities are grounded in honouring the spirit and intent of Treaty while strengthening Red Earth Cree Nation. His areas of focus include justice and Nation safety; lands, economic development and resources; and families, language, sports, Nation healing, and wellness. His approach recognizes that strong governance requires protecting Treaty relationships while also strengthening the social, cultural, economic, and administrative foundations of the Nation.
Hendrick’s leadership reflects a commitment to service, accountability, community safety, cultural continuity, and creating opportunities for future generations of Mîhkoskowakâhk Nêhiyawak.
“Nations make Treaties, Treaties do not make Nations.” — Late Elder John Tootoosis
Councillor Ray McKay
Ray McKay is a Councillor for Mîhkoskowakâhk Nêhiyawak (Red Earth Cree Nation), serving his community as part of the Nation’s elected leadership.
His role on Chief and Council reflects a commitment to the responsibilities of community governance, including listening to members, contributing to collective decision-making, and supporting the long-term well-being of Red Earth Cree Nation. As Councillor, Ray works alongside Chief and Council to address community priorities and support the continued strengthening of the Nation.
Ray’s leadership is grounded in service to his community and in the responsibility carried by elected leaders to represent the interests of members while helping guide decisions for present and future generations.
As Red Earth Cree Nation continues to advance its priorities in governance, infrastructure, economic development, culture, family well-being, and Nation rebuilding, Ray contributes to the collective work of Chief and Council in building a strong and sustainable future for Mîhkoskowakâhk Nêhiyawak.
