The Many Names of Robert Cree: How a First Nations Chief Brought Ancient Wisdom to Big Business and Prosperity to His People

by Robert Cree, Therese Greenwood (Primary Contributor)

His mother called him “Bobby Mountain.” Elders called him “Great Man.” His people called him “Chief.” Oil men called him “Mr. Cree.” But the government called him “Number 53.” Robert Cree was all of these while facing his people’s oppressors and freeing the ghosts of tortured spirits.


The Many Names of Robert Cree is his first-person account of survival in a brutally racist residential school system designed to erase traditional Indigenous culture, language, and knowledge. It is also the story of an epic life of struggle and healing, as Cree takes the wisdom of his ancestors and a message of reconciliation to the halls of government and to industry boardrooms.


In the storytelling tradition of his people, Cree recounts his early years in the bush, his captivity at a residential school, his struggles with addiction, his political awakening as one of Canada’s youngest First Nation Chiefs, and the rising Indigenous activism of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He also recounts the oil industry’s arrival on his poverty-stricken reserve and the ensuing struggle to balance economic opportunity with environmental challenges.


Throughout, Cree’s leadership is rooted in his unshakable commitment to the sacred traditional teachings of his people. His beliefs give him the strength to focus on hope, dignity, and building a better future for his community. Now a respected Elder and spiritual leader, Cree champions forgiveness as a powerful force that can bring healing and transformation for all.

264 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2025

Reviews

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the audiobook version read by Lorne Cardinal (Corner Gas fame), and it added a lot of depth to hear the story - like through aural tradition. It was also nice to hear the traditional Cree pronunciation of some of the terms used throughout the book. I also found a lot of powerful life lessons - especially forgiveness. And I really found it powerful that they used the term “dominant culture,” instead of White man or other terms.

There are a lot of lessons in this book and a lot of powerful emotions. I hope this book becomes required reading in schools and at all levels of government.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I noticed was this book, even though it’s about a difficult subject is positive. It’s not judgy, angry… it’s accepting, warm & positive.
Thank you Robert Cree for sharing your story, wisdom, and knowledge.

[Enid Wray]

An important testimonial for the historical record.