Treaty 6 marks 150th anniversary with commemorations at Fort Carlton

Indigenous leaders, politicians, and Crown representatives gathered at Fort Carlton Historic Park to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6. Originally signed on August 23, 1876, the treaty established an agreement for coexistence between the Crown and various Plains and Wood Cree bands, covering much of present-day central Alberta and Saskatchewan.

During the commemorations, officials acknowledged that the first 150 years were marked by broken promises, the trauma of residential schools, and unfulfilled commitments. Governor General Louise Arbour noted that while the treaty recognized a shared relationship with the land, history has often told a different story. Federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty expressed a commitment to addressing historical injustices and harms.

In addition to speeches from leaders such as Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, a new monument was unveiled to mark the milestone. The event serves as a moment to recommit to implementing the treaty's principles of respect and collaboration for the future.