Hundreds of individuals from various regions in the Prairies recently came together to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6. During this event, discussions arose about the implications of the treaty for future generations, particularly as Albertans prepare to vote on the province’s status within Canada or on pursuing independence through a binding referendum.
Taylor Dumais, a member of the Kehewin Cree Nation, expressed a range of emotions at the gathering, acknowledging the significance of celebrating 150 years of Treaty 6 while also expressing frustration at the existence of a referendum on Alberta’s status. The event took place over six days at Fort Pitt Provincial Park in Saskatchewan, organized by the Onion Lake Cree Nation. It featured ceremonies, forums, and keynote speeches focusing on treaty history, traditional law, and Indigenous rights.
Dumais emphasized the importance of educating both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals about the rights and responsibilities outlined in treaties. She raised concerns about the upcoming vote potentially revealing gaps in understanding about who the treaties apply to, stating that the rights being fought for extend beyond Indigenous communities to all residents of the region.
Jared Muskego, another member of the Onion Lake Cree Nation, shared his uncertainties regarding the implications of the upcoming vote, given the unique geographical position of his community spanning the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. Questions about how separation could impact homes, businesses, and community dynamics remain unanswered, prompting a search for insights from elders and knowledgeable individuals in the following weeks.
Janice Makokis, a legal advisor for the Onion Lake Cree Nation and an assistant law professor at the University of Windsor, contested the legitimacy of Alberta’s potential independence, citing the international nature of the treaty signed nearly three decades before Alberta joined Confederation. Makokis stressed that the treaties hold precedence over provincial discussions, emphasizing that they cannot be disregarded or dismantled unilaterally.
Despite ongoing legal challenges and uncertainties surrounding the referendum, there is a growing sense of unity within First Nations communities as they rally to defend their treaty rights. The looming threat of separation has served as a catalyst for solidarity, underscoring the enduring importance of principles like wītaskiwinihk, which translates to “sharing the land in peace and harmony” in Cree.
As discussions continue and communities navigate the implications of a potential vote for Alberta’s independence, the spirit of unity and celebration remained prevalent during the 150th anniversary gathering. Participants emphasized the importance of kinship and community, highlighting the resilience of the treaty relationship that has endured for the past 150 years and is expected to persist into the future.
