Meet Chief Reg Cardinal
Anchored in Alexis, grounded in family, and committed to serving the Nation with accountability and heart.
Family
Chief Reg Cardinal is the son of Phillip Cardinal and the late Doris (Letendre) Cardinal. His siblings are Jennifer, Tina, and Tim. His wife is Rebecca Sockbeson of Penobscot Indian Nation, and together they have three children: Julia, Iktome, and Gee.
Raised in Alexis, Chief Reg attended Alexis Day School before completing high school in Edmonton. Although his academic journey took him beyond the territory, his spirit has always remained in Wakamne, guiding his responsibility to the people.
On his mother's side, his great-great-grandfather was Mitaushin Aranazhi (Alexis Akanas), who signed the Adhesion to Treaty No. 6. On his father's side, his great-great-grandfather was a Mohawk man and pathfinder who led people across the medicine line, known by his baptism name, Evan Cardinal.
Community Service & Leadership
For decades, Chief Reg has been deeply involved in Alexis Minor Hockey, where he has played a leadership role in the association, mentoring youth, building teams, and creating positive experiences for young people in the community.
Beyond hockey, Chief Reg has participated in cultural ceremonies, community gatherings, and events that strengthen the fabric of the Nation. His ongoing involvement reflects a deep commitment to service, community, and the future of Alexis.
Education & Professional History
🎓Education
Chief Reg holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting, providing a strong foundation in finance, governance, and leadership.
💼Career Highlights
At the University of Maine, Chief Reg won a national hockey title in 1993 and was a runner-up in 1995. After graduating in 1997, he founded the Stoney Nation Hockey School for Alexis youth and later played professional hockey in the ECHL from 1997 to 1999. He then worked as an auditor in the northeastern United States before building a career focused on financial accountability, compliance, and leadership, including work with Indigenous organizations and other communities in finance, employment, and human resources.
🏛Board & Governance
Chief Reg has served as a Board Director for Backwoods Energy Services since 2018 and is also a founding board member of the Northern Isga Foundation (NIF), the Nation's charity holding the Eagle River Casino license.
🏆Awards & Speaking Engagements
Chief Reg has shared his knowledge through speaking engagements on leadership, governance, and community service, including NAISA, WiPCE, and many of the Nation's education and graduation events.
Culture & Identity
Chief Reg's Nakoda identity is at the heart of who he is. Raised in the language, values, and traditions of his people, he continues to carry those teachings in every part of his life. His parents raised their family in the Nakoda language and have served the community their entire lives.
He was given the name “Stand Alone” during a ceremony by the Mountain Cree People of Maskwacis (Ermineskin), a name that reflects responsibility, strength, and the importance of living with purpose.
Committed to Service
Community members, Elders, and families called on Chief Reg to step forward and serve. This was not a decision made in isolation — it came from the people and from a shared belief in the leadership our Nation needs.
With deep respect, humility, and commitment, Chief Reg serves the Nation. His purpose has always been to lead with integrity, to listen to the people, to honour our ancestors, and to help build a stronger future for our Nation.
Family & Friends
Held together by love, guided by family — the people who shape the journey.
