FORT CARLTON — Thousands of people are expected to gather at Fort Carlton Provincial Historic Park Aug. 20-23 as Treaty 6 Nations, organizations and visitors from across Canada commemorate 150 years of the Treaty 6 relationship through culture, education and community engagement.
Organizers stress the event is not a celebration of a treaty reaching a milestone birthday, but rather a reflection on an ongoing relationship that continues today.
“Treaty 6 150 is not marking treaty 6 turning 150 years old but instead is commemorating 150 years into an ongoing relationship,” said Collin Alexander, marketing officer with Pêmiska Tourism, one of the host organizations. “It’s an opportunity to come together, and to explore the Spirit and Intent of Treaty – for all Treaty people in the territory.”
Alexander told SaskToday Treaty 6 was entered into between First Nations and the Crown in 1876, with the first negotiations and signing taking place at Fort Carlton on Aug. 23, 1876. Additional signings occurred at Chief Kamiscowesit’s (Beardy’s) campsite on Aug. 28 and at Fort Pitt on Sept. 9 of the same year.
The commemoration is intended to provide an opportunity to reflect on treaty history and the ongoing treaty relationship, Alexander said.
Alexander said Fort Carlton was selected because of its direct connection to the treaty-making process.
“Fort Carlton is the place where Treaty 6 was first negotiated and later signed on August 23, 1876,” he said. “Hosting the Treaty 6 150 Commemorative Gathering here continues the site’s long history as a place where people come together.”
He said the park has increasingly incorporated Indigenous perspectives into how the region’s history is shared with visitors.
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“Through Indigenous-led partnerships, Fort Carlton Provincial Historic Park has embraced new ways of sharing the history of this region from Indigenous perspectives,” Alexander said. “We are proud to bring people to the traditional territory of Chief Kamiscowesit (Beardy) to commemorate this historic milestone in the same place where Treaty was made 150 years ago, honouring both the past and the living relationship that continues today.”
The four-day program will feature cultural demonstrations, educational discussions, entertainment and opportunities for visitors to engage with Treaty 6 Nations.
“Treaty 6 150 will bring together culture, history, entertainment, and art over four days of programming,” Alexander said. “Daily main-stage forums will explore Treaty through important conversations, while the Village of Nations will offer public programming from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can also explore the vendor marketplace, Kids-Ville, and much more.”
Visitors will also be able to attend the powwow hosted by Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, located a short distance from the historic park.
Alexander said he is particularly looking forward to the Village of Nations, where Treaty 6 First Nations will host programming and demonstrations.
“Treaty 6 Nations has been invited to set up a tipi, creating a space that reflects the diversity and strength of our Nations,” he said.
“On Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Village of Nations will host public programming, giving visitors the opportunity to engage directly with communities through activities such as trapping demonstrations, hide tanning, storytelling, traditional skills, and other hands-on cultural experiences.”
He added that the space will create opportunities for visitors to learn more about Indigenous cultures and traditions.
“It’s a unique opportunity to connect with our fellow kin, learn from one another, and gain a deeper understanding of the cultures, histories, and traditions that continue to thrive across Treaty 6.”
The event will also feature a performance by Juno award-winning artist Fawn Wood on Aug. 22 at 8 p.m.
Alexander said organizers hope attendees leave with a deeper understanding of treaty relationships and their significance.
“We hope that everyone understand we are all treaty people, and wâhkôhtowin we are all kin, as well as wîtaskêwin we all share this territory,” he said.
“We hope that we can share more of what Treaty 6 is outside of the understanding of it as a legal agreement on paper, and expanding on what our treaty Elders have always known that Treaty is a sacred relationship which must be understood through it’s Spirit and Intent.”
Organizers are expecting several thousand visitors over the four-day gathering, including delegates from western Alberta and Ottawa.
Alexander said the event will also welcome Government General Mary Simon, who is scheduled to attend on Aug. 23 and deliver brief remarks.
Alexander said support from sponsors and the private sector has played an important role in making the commemoration possible.
“We have been immensely grateful that the private sector has stepped up and contributed to making our event a success,” he said.
For organizers, one of the most important themes is the distinction between celebrating and commemorating.
“We are focusing on it being a commemoration not a celebration,” Alexander said. “We can celebrate the resilience of Indigenous people but commemorate the last 150 years of Treaty while recognizing we still have a long way to go in Treaty implementation.”
A full schedule of events is available on the Treaty 6-150 website.
By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca
Original Published on Aug 19, 2026 at 08:00
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