It is inhabited by members of the Samson Cree Nation and was established under the provisions of Treaty 6.

[2] The reserve is located in Central Alberta, near Maskwacis and south of Wetaskiwin.

In 2006, Samson IR No.137 had a population of 3,295 residents in 929 dwellings, a 7.4% increase from 2001.

[4] Under the British North America Act, legislative authority over Indian reserves is placed exclusively with the national parliament and specifically the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

The reserve is governed by a band council led by Chief Kurt Buffalo.