In a public address on Monday, an Indigenous leader in Alberta expressed disappointment with the provincial government’s lack of representation at a significant event honoring the 150th anniversary of the Treaty 6 signing. The chief, Joey Pete of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, emphasized the importance of respect and recognition in achieving true reconciliation.
During the commemorative event hosted by the City of Edmonton and Mayor Andrew Knack, Indigenous leaders and elders engaged in traditional ceremonies, drumming, dancing, and the hoisting of the Treaty 6 flag. Various government officials, including federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, Conservative member of Parliament Billy Morin, Alberta NDP Indigenous relations critic Brooks Arcand-Paul, and Mayor Knack, delivered speeches and exchanged gifts.
Alberta Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani reaffirmed the Crown’s commitment to the treaty during her address, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding on the shared land. However, the absence of Alberta’s Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney at the event raised concerns among Indigenous leaders, questioning the government’s dedication to reconciliation efforts.
Sawhney’s office clarified her absence, stating her commitment to maintaining strong relationships with Treaty 6 First Nations. While emphasizing the significance of the anniversary, a spokesperson for Sawhney mentioned ongoing engagement with Indigenous leaders despite her absence from the event.
Indigenous leaders, including Joey Pete, expressed discontent with the government’s focus on issues like pipelines over genuine reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous communities within Treaty 6. The ongoing push for separatism in the province has strained the treaty relationship, with elected officials urging greater government involvement in honoring Indigenous rights and fostering collaboration.
The event in Edmonton marked the beginning of a series of planned activities throughout the week to commemorate the Treaty 6 anniversary, including a re-enactment of the historic signing. Scheduled events at Fort Carlton in Saskatchewan will continue the commemoration of the treaty signing, which originally occurred on August 23, 1876, encompassing vast areas of central Alberta and central Saskatchewan.