Politicians and Indigenous leaders gather at Fort Carlton to mark Treaty 6's 150th anniversary

Politicians, dignitaries, Indigenous chiefs and elders are gathering at Fort Carlton Historic Park on Sunday to honour Treaty 6's 150th anniversary and recommit to addressing unfulfilled promises and historical injustices.

The treaty was signed 150 years ago at Fort Carlton, in what is now Saskatchewan, when First Nations chiefs met with Canadian dignitaries to establish terms for how Indigenous nations and the emerging modern state of Canada would coexist. The treaty covers most of what is now central Alberta and Saskatchewan and was the sixth of 11 treaties signed after Canada was established through Confederation.

Federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty said in a statement that the anniversary provides "a special opportunity to recognize the resilience and vibrancy of Treaty 6 Nations." She acknowledged that Canada has not been a reliable treaty partner historically. "Despite real hardship and periods in our shared history when government policies sought to erase Indigenous cultures altogether, these communities have maintained their languages, teachings and traditional practices for generations."

Governor General Louise Arbour and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak are expected to speak at the ceremony. A new monument marking the anniversary will be unveiled. The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, also unveiled Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate in connection with the broader efforts to address systemic harms.

The anniversary comes as relationships between Indigenous chiefs and the Alberta government are under strain over an October 19 referendum on separation. First Nations in Alberta have vehemently opposed the separatist movement and fought court efforts to hold a binding vote. Grand Chief Joey Pete of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations recently called out Premier Danielle Smith's government for missing an Edmonton event commemorating the treaty anniversary. Saskatchewan's government relations minister said the province is excited to recognize Treaty 6, calling it one of the country's most important documents.