[1] The First Nation is named for Chief Cowessess (Ka-wezauce, "Little Boy", or "Little Child"), who was the leader of a mixed band of Plains Cree, Saulteaux and Métis.

They were nomadic bison hunters, ranging from Leech Lake (Saskatchewan) as far southwest as the Milk River basin in Montana.

In September 1874, Cowessess signed Treaty 4 at Fort Qu'Appelle, ceding his group's Indigenous title to the British Crown.

Cowessess himself remained in the Cypress Hills until spring 1883, but Headman Louis O'Soup led a dissident group which settled on the reserve.

Amber K. K. Pelletier, who attended the Marieval residence from 1993 to 1997, was the youngest survivor interviewed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

[7] In 1981, the Cowessess First Nation submitted a specific claim to the federal government, challenging the surrender on the grounds of fraud, fiduciary duty, and unconscionable conduct.