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The history of Senator Allan Bird Memorial School
Senator Allan Bird (1921–2006) was a respected Elder, leader, veteran, and lifelong advocate for the Montreal Lake Cree Nation and First Nations people across Saskatchewan. His life was dedicated to service — to his community, his country, and his culture.
Born on September 21, 1921, in Montreal Lake, Saskatchewan, Senator Allan Bird was the son of Zacharias Halkett (Little Red) and Miriam Turner (Montreal Lake), later adopted by Mr. and Mrs. John Bell.
At age 17, he married Sally Victoria Bird, and together they raised a large family — 13 children, along with many adopted and extended family members.
Allan Bird proudly served in the Korean War as a paratrooper with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), following a proud family tradition of military service. His experiences abroad inspired him to challenge discriminatory policies at home, including the restrictive pass system.
Senator Allan Bird served multiple terms as Chief of Montreal Lake Cree Nation in the 1960s and was later chosen as District Representative for what became the Prince Albert Grand Council.
In 1984, he was appointed Senator of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), where he was a strong voice for:
Treaty rights
Veterans’ recognition
Language and cultural preservation
Youth empowerment
In 2004, Allan Bird was awarded the Order of Saskatchewan for his outstanding contributions to his community, church, and governance.
Today, his legacy lives on through the Senator Allan Bird Memorial School where his commitment to education, culture, and community continues to inspire future generations.