First Nations leaders reflect as they commemorate the signing of Treaty 6

First Nations from across Treaty 6 territory are celebrating and in Saskatchewan, will commemorate 150 years since the signing of the historic Treaty document. Treaty 6 spans a wide swath of what is now northern Alberta and Saskatchewan. It was signed on Aug. 23, 1876, at Fort Carlton and Sept. 9 at Fort Pitt. There were later adhesions to the Treaty through 1950. Negotiated between the British Crown and Cree, Nakota (Assiniboine), Saulteaux, and Dene leaders, it covers central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. It was intended to share the land in exchange for vital guarantees and meant to last “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows.” Events are scheduled across the territory over the coming weekend-one of the largest being the Treaty 6 Commemoration at Fort Carlton, 100 kilometres north of Saskatoon by highway. The original Treaty parchment that was signed is available for viewing through Saturday. First Nations leaders and Indigenous commentators have been weighing in about the importance of the Treaty and its anniversary. “Today we honour our ancestors who stood together and entered into Treaty with hope for the generations yet to come,” said James Smith Cree Nation Chief Kirby Constant in a Facebook post while also calling on Canada to remember the promises that were made. “We remember their strength, their sacrifices, and the promises that were made. A century and a half later, we are still here, still strong, still carrying our language, culture, ceremonies and our inherent rights forward. We honour the Treaty, we honour our ancestors, and we continue the work until every promise is fulfilled. We ask Canada to do the same.” Another post by John Brady McDonald, a Nehiyawak-Metis writer and artist with ties to Muskeg Lake Cree Nation said the anniversary is an emotional one. “Chief Mistawasis is my great great great grandfather. I am a direct descendant, as my great grandfather, Chief George Dreaver, was his grandson. “150 years ago this weekend, Chief Mistawasis was the first signatory to Treaty Six at Fort Carlton.150 years ago, he made a decision he felt was the best for the survival of his family and those of his band. I will forever be proud of him, for he set the example of thinking of the survival of others,” McDonald said. He shared a quote from a speech by Chief Mistawasis the day the Treaty was signed. “I have heard my brothers speak, complaining of the hardships endured by our people. Some have bewailed the poverty and suffering that has come to Indians because of the destruction of the buffalo as the chief source of our living, the loss of the ancient glory of our forefathers; and with all that I agree, in the silence of my teepee and on the broad prairies where once our fathers could not pass for the great number of those animals that blocked their way; and even in our day, we have had to choose carefully our campground for fear of being trampled in our teepees,” Mistawasis said. “With all these things, I think and feel intensely the sorrow my brothers express. I speak directly to Poundmaker and The Badger and those others who object to signing this treaty. Have you anything better to offer our people? I ask, again, can you suggest any-thing that will bring these things back for tomorrow and all the tomorrows that face our people? I for one think that the Great White Queen Mother has offered us a way of life when the buffalo are no more. Gone they will be before many snows have come to cover our heads or graves if such should be,” his speech concluded. “What we speak of and do now will last as long as the sun shines and the river runs, we are looking forward to our children’s children, for we are old and have but few days to live,” said a signatory at Fort Pitt, Sept. 9, 1876, Chief Weekaskookwasayin, or Chief Sweet Grass Abraham Wikaskokiseyin. The Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations, headquartered in Alberta said “150 years later, we are still here.” ”Still gathering. Still dancing. Still singing our songs. Still carrying our languages, our ceremonies, our teachings and our responsibilities to Treaty,”said Grand Chief Joey Pete. “This week was more than a commemoration of history. It was a reminder that Treaty No. 6 is not something of the past. Treaty is living. Treaty is forever.” Read more: First Nation leaders from Saskatchewan travel to England to hand invitation to King Chiefs in Alberta seek audience with the King to address separation threat Treaty 6 chiefs disappointed by lack of progress since Papal apology Métis Nation-Saskatchewan also recognized the milestone. “As Métis people, we celebrate deep histories, kinship and relationships with First Nations across what is now Saskatchewan. We recognize that treaties are living relationships and that honouring them requires continued learning, respect and action,” it said. Continue Reading