The community was formerly known as the "Sandy Lake Indian Band", a name which is still used interchangeably when referring to the reserve.

[4] The name of this reserve originated from its first chief who was born about 1816 on the vast prairie region that was home to his people.

[5] The chief understood that the ways of living that his band was used to needed to change in order to get through the crisis.

In 1874 the chief invited Anglican missionary John Hines to settle with his people near Sandy Lake.

On August 23, 1876, Chief Ahtahkakoop signed Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton, giving up their vast hunting territory in exchange for a 67-square-mile reserve and $5 a year "per head".

The land at Sandy Lake was fertile, and though the band suffered many hardships and setbacks, progress was made.

The 1929 fall in market prices, followed by prolonged drought, forced people off reserve as they sought employment clearing land and helping on farms.

The band's infrastructure includes a school, workshop, warehouse, police station, RCMP residences, fire hall, health clinic, band hall, arena, gymnasium, daycare, the Lonesome Pine Convenience Store, the Indian Child and Family Services Agency, and the Cree Nations Treatment Centre.

Currently there are 2,706 registered members, with 1,440 people living on their 17,347-hectare reserve 72 km northwest of Prince Albert.

Average length of time served in role of chief and council members is approximately 8 years.

41.3% aboriginal identity population aged 15 years and over received a high school diploma or equivalent.

The government is working to ensure Treaty teachings are delivered in all classrooms from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Formal education, lifelong learning, and employment development are stressed to assist the people in meeting their maximum potential.