Howard Mustus

Elder

Elder Howard Mustus is a respected member of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation (ANSN), where he and his wife, Phyllis, raised 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Fluent in his native Stoney language, Howard is a passionate advocate for language preservation as a vital part of cultural identity. He has played a key role in reclaiming and revitalizing traditional beliefs and practices that were diminished due to residential schools.

Howard began his political career at age 21 when he was elected Chief of the Alexis First Nation, the youngest Chief in Canada at the time, a role he held for 26 years. His leadership is deeply rooted in the values of tradition, land stewardship, and cultural renewal. Then in the 1980s, recognizing the importance of unity among neighboring Nations, Howard spearheaded the formation of the Yellowhead Tribal Council (YTC), where he served as Chairman and CEO of the Yellowhead Tribal Development Foundation for a number of years.

Today, Howard continues to serve as a cultural consultant, working with provincial agencies and First Nations to strengthen Indigenous identity, governance, and cultural continuity. He is highly respected among Alberta’s diverse Indigenous communities for his integrity and deep cultural knowledge. A lifelong advocate of sobriety and spiritual responsibility, Howard brings both experience and authenticity to his work.

He currently serves as Chair of Eagle River Casino and sits on the Elders Advisory Council for the City of Edmonton through the Kichy Asky Group, providing guidance on tradition, culture, and ceremony. He has also been actively involved in negotiations surrounding the establishment of a cultural site in Jasper for Alberta’s Indigenous groups.