The Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan and Office of the Treaty Commissioner staff were pleased to be able to attend the 137th commemorative gathering of Treaty 6A in Montreal Lake Cree Nation this week

“Gatherings like this are so important to understanding treaty history especially of Treaty 6A and of those nations,” said Treaty Commissioner, Dr. Kathy Walker.

More than 100 people filled the Senator Allan Bird Memorial School gym. The event got underway with a grand entry led by flag carriers and two eagle staffs.

The Chiefs of the three signatory first nations spoke about upholding Treaty and Treaty Rights – Chief Peter A. Beatty of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of Lac La Ronge Indian Band, and Chief Joyce Naytowhow McLeod of Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

Also in attendance was Premier Scott Moe, cabinet ministers, and members of the opposition.

These events are a way to educate youth and create space for knowledge keepers to share the oral histories, said Walker. The Office of the Treaty Commissioner’s Treaty Timeline was on display.

“It’s a way for people to talk about Treaty 6A, acknowledge the importance, and connect with one another.”

After the official close, everyone gathered for a feast of fish and moose meat, harvested by youth and Elders for the event.

The commemoration was held Feb. 10 because Feb.11, the Treaty signing day, was declared a public holiday on Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

There was a call to host the event on Feb. 11 next year at Molanosa, where Treaty 6A was signed.

“Because then it helps the history come alive even more. The exact place when the Treaty was signed and the exact time,” Walker said.