Treaty 6 at 150: Communities reflect on promises and future

FORT CARLTON, Sask. — First Nations leaders, government officials, Elders and community members gathered across Treaty 6 Territory this month to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6, reflecting on its historic significance and the continuing responsibilities tied to the agreement signed Aug. 23, 1876.

Commemorative events at Fort Carlton and cultural celebrations throughout the region highlighted both the history of Treaty 6 and its ongoing relevance to First Nations and non-Indigenous communities.

The Prince Albert Grand Council’s (PAGC) 2026 Gathering of Nations, being held Aug. 25-28, features traditional foods, powwow dancing, drumming, hand games, arts and crafts, cultural workshops, youth activities and musical performances.

Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said the anniversary of Treaty 6 is central to this year’s gathering.

“The Gathering of Nations is about bringing our people together and sharing who we are,” said Hardlotte. “This year, as we mark 150 years since the signing of Treaty 6, we are also reminded that our treaties are living agreements. They are about relationships, responsibilities and promises that continue today.”

Hardlotte said the gathering serves as both a celebration of culture and an opportunity to educate visitors about First Nations histories and traditions.

“We invite everyone to come out, sit with us, eat with us, listen to the drums and songs, and experience the strength and diversity of our nations,” he said. “There is something powerful about gathering on the land, sharing our traditions and seeing our young people carrying them forward.”

The annual event attracts visitors from PAGC member First Nations, communities throughout Saskatchewan and guests from across Canada and abroad. The PAGC said previous gatherings have welcomed between 1,500 and 2,000 people each day.

The significance of Treaty 6 was also highlighted by the Saskatoon Tribal Council, which noted that four of its member nations, Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Muskoday First Nation and One Arrow First Nation, are signatories to the treaty.

In a statement marking the anniversary, the council said the vision of the Chiefs who negotiated and signed Treaty 6 continues to guide communities today.

The organization encouraged residents throughout Treaty 6 Territory to reflect on the importance of honouring treaty commitments and maintaining the treaty relationship.

Similar sentiments were shared by James Smith Cree Nation Chief Kirby Constant, who honoured the legacy of the leaders who entered into treaty on behalf of future generations.

“Today we honour our ancestors who stood together and entered into Treaty with hope for the generations yet to come,” Constant said in a public statement marking the anniversary.

He said First Nations continue to carry forward their languages, cultures, ceremonies and treaty rights, while calling on Canada to uphold the commitments made 150 years ago.

At Fort Carlton, where Treaty 6 was negotiated and signed, a series of commemorative events brought together Indigenous and government leaders to reflect on the treaty’s legacy.

Buckley Belanger, member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, described Treaty 6 as a pivotal moment in Saskatchewan and Canadian history.

Belanger joined First Nations leaders, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Mandy Gull-Masty and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe during the commemoration.

He said there is a shared responsibility to honour the treaty relationship and address historical injustices while building a stronger future.

One of the most significant features of the commemoration was the public display of the original Treaty 6 manuscript.

According to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, the original treaty document returned to Fort Carlton for public viewing for the first time since it was signed 150 years ago.

Visitors lined up to see the historic 10-page manuscript, which was displayed as part of anniversary events.

“Being that close to it was a very powerful moment for me,” Kevin Okemaysin said after viewing the document. “That is a piece of history that I am never going to see again. Not in my lifetime.”

Premier Scott Moe also attended anniversary events at Fort Carlton and reflected on the significance of the occasion.

“It was good to gather with Treaty 6 First Nations, Elders, leaders and community members to reflect on our shared history and the Treaty commitments that continue to connect us,” Moe said.

Moe also highlighted a new monument at Fort Carlton, saying it will serve as a place for people to gather, learn and reflect for generations to come.

Treaty 6 was signed at Fort Carlton on Aug. 23, 1876, between representatives of the Crown and First Nations leaders. The treaty covers a large portion of present-day central Saskatchewan and Alberta and remains one of Canada’s most significant treaty agreements.

As communities continue commemorating its 150th anniversary, leaders say the focus remains not only on the historical document itself, but on the enduring relationship it created.

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