Treaty 6 Turns 150
A four-day gathering at Fort Carlton marks the anniversary of the treaty signed between the British Crown and First Nations leaders, with the original parchment and a treaty medal on display
The 150th anniversary of Treaty 6 is being commemorated with a four-day gathering at Fort Carlton, where the treaty was signed in 1876. The event features the original parchment and a treaty medal on display, symbolizing the commitment to relationship building between the Crown and First Nations leaders.
Treaty 6 was signed on August 23 and September 9, 1876, at Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt, by representatives of the British Crown and leaders of First Nations, primarily Plains Cree, Woods Cree, Assiniboine, Saulteaux and Dene. At the time, the Crown wanted to settle in the west, while First Nations leaders wanted to ensure a bright future for younger generations.
The original parchment of Treaty 6 will be on display at the gathering, along with the Red Pheasant First Nation treaty medal, which depicts a handshake and a buried hatchet, symbolizing a commitment to relationship building. Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation Chief Ed Ananas arranged to bring the original parchment to Saskatchewan for the event, after seeing it in person for the first time during a trip to Ottawa last year.
## What it means The gathering at Fort Carlton is an opportunity to reflect on a pivotal moment in Saskatchewan history and recommit to the principles of Treaty 6. According to Kathy Walker, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, the treaty is about honouring the original vision of living together in peace and harmony. Walker said it’s about taking stock of where we’re at, reaffirming and recommitting 150 years later.
## Why it matters The commemoration of Treaty 6 is significant because it marks a pivotal moment in the history of Saskatchewan and the relationship between the Crown and First Nations leaders. The treaty was signed at a time when the Crown wanted to settle in the west, and First Nations leaders wanted to ensure a bright future for younger generations. The gathering at Fort Carlton is a chance for people to come together and reflect on the past, while also looking to the future and recommitting to the principles of the treaty.
The event is also an opportunity for people to learn about the history of Treaty 6 and its significance. With the original parchment and the treaty medal on display, attendees can gain a deeper understanding of the treaty and its importance. As Kathy Walker said, it’s about honouring the original vision of living together in peace and harmony, and the gathering at Fort Carlton is a step towards reaffirming and recommitting to that vision.
