Treaty 6 manuscript returns to traditional territory for 150-year commemoration

The original Treaty 6 manuscript has returned to its traditional territory for the first time in approximately 150 years. The document, which had been stored at Library and Archives Canada in Gatineau, Quebec, is being brought back to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the treaty's signing.

In collaboration with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation, the manuscript is scheduled to visit four Treaty sites, including Fort Carlton, Beardy’s Campsite, Fort Pitt / Onion Lake, and Enoch Cree Nation. A commemorative gathering was held at Fort Carlton Provincial Historical Park from August 20-23, featuring First Nations dignitaries and government delegates.

The event focused on the “spirit and intent” of the treaty, emphasizing the relationship between First Nations and newcomers. For many descendants, seeing the names of their ancestors on the original 10-page document provided a significant emotional connection to their history.