Chief and Council of Kahkewistahâw First Nation (KFN) make announcement of a historic naming of highway 201, it will be dually designated “Chief Kahkewistahâw Way,” honouring the respected Plains Cree leader who signed Treaty 4 in 1874.
This historic designation celebrates a leader whose wisdom and strength helped shape Saskatchewan, and whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
“Chief Kahkewistahâw was known for his unwavering commitment to his people and his ability to adapt to changing times while protecting our traditional lands,” says KFN Chief Evan Taypotat. “This naming honours not just a great chief, but represents our ongoing journey of reconciliation and the important recognition of Indigenous leadership in the history of these lands.”
Highway 201, which runs alongside Kahkewistahâw First Nation, serves as a vital transportation corridor in Treaty 4 Territory, will now also be known as Chief Kahkewistahâw Way.
New signage featuring a striking digitized portrait of Chief Kahkewistahâw will be installed along the route, honoring the dignified bearing and strong leadership that characterized the respected Plains Cree chief.
“Every time our people travel this road, they will be reminded of Chief Kahkewistahâw’s strength and vision,” says Councillor William Kaysaywaysemat. “This renaming connects our past to our present, showing our young people that our history is alive and our leaders’ legacy continues to shape our community’s path forward.”
The renaming initiative emerged through collaboration between Kahkewistahâw First Nation, local rural municipalities, and the Government of Saskatchewan, demonstrating the power of partnership in advancing reconciliation.