OTC at Treaty 6 150 Commemoration

The Treaty 6 150 Commemoration was four days of connecting with the land, one another and the spirit and intent of Treaty 6 at pēhowin / the waiting place.

“It’s just been such an incredible four days and I’m just so grateful to have been able to experience it and be a part of it,” said Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker.

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner team worked alongside Pêmiska Tourism and Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation to organize the events. On Aug. 20, the riders from the Unity Ride were some of the first Treaty 6 leaders and citizens to arrive at the gathering. There was a beautiful village of nations, tents for Elders and Youth, and the opportunity to view the original Treaty 6 manuscript and Treaty bundle over the weekend.

“I think my favourite part of this couple day commemoration event was being able to see the Treaty 6 manuscript for the first time laid out in the Treaty house that was very special,” said Eli Worme, who works with the OTC. He stood for hours every day talking with people to answer questions and help people understand the significance of the historic documents.

The ceremony of the Treaty bundle was pivotal. The Governor General of Canada, Louise Arbour, was there to take part as the representative of the Crown.

“My highlight of this whole commemoration was to be a part of the actual Treaty bundle and having to hold it, pray over it, and share it with the Governor General… I will never forget being a part of that history and seeing history inside that treaty bundle,” said Beardy’s and Okemasis Chief Edwin Ananas.

“It was just such a moving, powerful experience and something I will never forget,” said Commissioner Walker.

Benji Noon is a filmmaker who works with the OTC’s digital archives.

“My biggest highlight was being able to take time and reflect on this momentous occasion. It’s a time to look back. It’s a time to see where we are, and it makes me hopeful for the future,” he said.