The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations and the City of Edmonton are jointly hosting a full day of events at City Hall and Churchill Square to commemorate this milestone.
Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day honours the First Nations who entered into the Treaty, celebrates their enduring cultures, leadership and contributions, and invites Edmontonians to gather, learn and reflect on what it means to be Treaty people.
“150 years may sound like a long time,” said Grand Chief Joey Pete. “Remember, the First Nations of these Lands were here since time immemorial before welcoming newcomers and entering into Treaty No. 6. In the 150th year of Treaty No. 6, we celebrate relationships like the one we continue to build with our valued Treaty partners at the City of Edmonton. This week’s celebrations are also a good time to acknowledge that there is much more work to be done, and we are at the beginning.”
The day opens at City Hall with a traditional pipe ceremony, the raising of the Treaty No. 6 flag, a Grand Entry, an honour song, cultural presentations, a proclamation and a traditional gift exchange between the Confederacy and the City.
Festivities continue in Churchill Square from noon to 7 p.m., featuring singing, drumming and cultural performances.
The public gathering welcomes people of all ages to come together, share in the celebration and learn from Treaty No. 6 cultures and traditions.
“Living the Treaty means learning its history, honouring its spirit and intent and carrying that understanding into how we serve residents, make decisions and build relationships,” said Mayor Andrew Knack. “This anniversary is a proud moment for Edmonton and an opportunity to celebrate the leadership and contributions of Treaty No. 6 First Nations. The City is honoured to welcome people to the heart of our city and celebrate alongside the Confederacy as we strengthen this relationship for generations to come.”
First Nations and the Crown entered into Treaty No. 6 at Fort Carlton on August 23, 1876.
Chiefs later signed an adhesion to the Treaty at a location in what is now Edmonton on August 21, 1877.
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