Alex Decoteau

Alexander Wuttunee Decoteau, ( 19 November 1887 – 30 October 1917), was a Cree Canadian track and field athlete who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics. He was also the first aboriginal police officer in Canada.

Alexander was born on the Red Pheasant Indian Reserve (Saskatchewan). He attended school there and at the Battleford Industrial School. He moved to Edmonton where the City Police hired him as a constable in 1909. He made sergeant in 1914. During this period he won most major middle or long distance races in western Canada. In 1912 he finished sixth in the 5000 metres competition.

Alex was killed by a sniper in 1917, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele.

Many of DeCoteau’s accomplishments are included in the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame, where he was inducted a member in 1967. Also, the Edmonton Police Museum and Archives contains may of his personal and military trophies and awards. In 1985, the Cree performed a ceremony in Edmonton "to bring his spirit home". Honours were provided by the Red Pheasant Band, the Edmonton Police Service and the Canadian army.