Aug. 9 marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, a day to recognize the identities, culture, history, and inherent and Treaty rights to traditional lands, territories and natural resources.

The day was chosen to reflect the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan appreciates the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the Treaties signed between First Nations and the Crown as international law.

“kêhtê-ayak have long noted that treaties are international, nation-to-nation agreements,” said Treaty Commissioner Dr. Kathy Walker, “On the 100th commemoration of Treaty 6, leader John Tootoosis said ‘When the Treaty was signed they accepted us as a nation, that is the reason it is a Treaty.’”

The international aspect of Treaty is also reflected in the 1763 Royal Proclamation that recognized Indigenous title and mandated the nation-to-nation process of Treaty-making among First Nations and the British Crown. Many federal government commissioned reports, such as the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, also have recognized the Treaty relationship as nation-to-nation.

“Treaties are at the heart of our shared future—offering us a blueprint for peace and harmony among nations—to guide how we walk together today.”

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is a chance to celebrate successes, embrace resilience, and commit to bringing about good relations in the years to come.