Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker, was pleased to attend the Treaty 10 Gathering this July held at Hatchet Lake.

“The gathering provides a way for nations to come together on an annual basis to renew the terms of Treaty 10,” said Walker. “The event brings together kêhtêyak, leaders, citizens and young people to breathe life into the Treaties with our words and actions, and thereby strengthen the Treaty relationship.”

The event started in a good way with a prayer by an esteemed Dene Elder and Dene and nêhiyawak drumming. Elders and knowledge-keepers shared their knowledge of Treaty history, provided cultural demonstrations, such as hide tanning, and spoke of the remarkable strength and resilience of the generations who walked before us. A major highlight was the arrival of youth paddlers who arrived in canoes at the site, following a traditional waterway route of Treaty 10 Nations. Hatchet lake Denesuline nation citizen Rosalie Tsannie also received well-deserved, special recognition for her lifelong leadership.

Treaty 10 includes First Nations in the northern part of Manitoba, northeastern Saskatchewan, and a small part of east central Alberta. The Treaty was first agreed to on Aug. 28 1906 at Ile a la Crosse; Sept. 19, 1906 at Canoe Lake; and on August 19, 1907 at Lac la Hache at Lac du Brochet on the north end of Reindeer Lake.

With regard to the making of Treaty 10, Denesuline Elder Louie Benoanie from Hatchet Lake stated in the 1990s:

“The people loved their land, they wanted to keep their land, they wanted to live on their land. The runway, the water, the fish, the water-fowl, everything—we don't want to be bothered [in] exercising our traditional way of life. If you can guarantee us that he will make the treaty as what the people want and that's what I understand of the treaties. The way I look at it, the way I understand it today.”

When First Nations signed on to Treaty 10, protecting their way of life and securing livelihoods for the community were emphasized. At the time Indigenous people were experiencing falling fur prices, scarcity of game, and miners encroaching on their communities.

Work still continues today to ensure the full implementation of the Spirit and Intent of Treaty 10 and all the numbered Treaties.