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The Voices of Treaty 4 – Commemorating 150 Years of Treaty documentary by the Office of the Treaty Commissioner is now available free online.

Created as part of the 150-year commemoration of Treaty 4, this film features voices from Zagime Anishinabek, Piapot First Nation, Rolling River First Nation, George Gordon First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Kawacatoose First Nation, Okanese First Nation, Cote First Nation, and others.

“Collecting oral history from Elders and knowledge-holders was not a typical interview process. It was based on deep, respectful relationships and local protocols,” said Benji Noon, the film’s director, during the film’s release. “It was truly an honour to speak with all the people in the documentary. I learned so much.”

Voices of Treaty 4 is designed to be a resource not only for Treaty 4 Nations, but for all Treaty people, Saskatchewan residents and Canadians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

“Our office is so excited to share this important piece of our Treaty history and are so thankful to the citizens of Treaty 4 for their support and cooperation throughout this project. It would not have been possible without them,” said Dr. Kathy Walker, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan.

“When the project began last year, our goal was to support the preservation of our valuable oral history and narratives, which is a crucial step in our truth and reconciliation journey.”

We invite everyone to watch the film.

On Aug. 23, descendants of the Stoney Knoll people came together with descendants of the Mennonite and Lutheran settlers for a gathering at Stoney Knoll to mark the 149th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton.

The event was held at the Stoney Knoll interpretative site, which acknowledges the Treaty history of the area. The Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker, was pleased to be able to attend the event.

In 1876, Chief Chipeewayan and four headmen entered into Treaty and a reserve at Stoney Knoll was surveyed for them, but the descendants of the Stoney Knoll First Nation are still waiting for the land promised under Treaty.

While some progress has been made toward federal recognition and the Stoney Knoll land claim, more work remains. Historically known as the Young Chippewan Band, the community once lived where the town of Laird is now.

The Aug. 23 gathering also marked an MOU signed in 2006 between Stoney Knoll descendants, and local Mennonite and Lutheran residents that committed all signatories to working together peacefully.

Robert Schultz, the last surviving signatory and former chair of St. John’s Lutheran Church, spoke with Treaty Commissioner Walker.

“When we were approached, we just felt we had to open up to everything that was going on,” he said. “I didn’t know what was gonna come out of it.”

The relationship building has become an important part of the MOU, said Walker.

This summer, an act of reconciliation and repatriation took place when Pamela Wintringham returned a collection of arrowheads to Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation (BOFN). The artifacts, originally found by her grandfather on the family’s farm, were given back to the community that were the original users of the land.

Pamela was inspired to take this step after attending the Office of the Treaty Commissioners’ Treaty Learning Journey in 2024, where she deepened her understanding of the time before Treaty, Treaty making, breaches of Treaty, and reconciliation.

She approached Beardy’s & Okemasis to offer the arrowheads, because she said it felt like the right thing to do.

Chief Edwin Ananas accepted the artifacts on behalf of BOFN and said that they will be preserved and displayed in the Nation’s governance centre.

“I hope that her action moves others to take steps to acknowledge the history of these lands and to honour that history with real action,” said Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker.

This shows that individuals have a role to play in the reconciliation journey, and that honouring Treaty relationships begins with respect, understanding, and willingness to act.

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.

On Aug. 1, the Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker, and members of the OTC team attended Treaty Day on Muskoday First Nation.

Chief Ron Bear and Muskoday First Nation also hosted the Manitoba Treaty Relations Commissioner Loretta Ross and education coordinator Amanda Simard, presenting them with gifts.

“Our office collaborates with the Manitoba Treaty Relations Commission on a number of initiatives because Treaties 1 to 11 are interprovincial,” said Commissioner Walker.

This was Commissioner Ross’ first visit to Saskatchewan to meet with Commissioner Walker, so there was an opportunity to discuss various initiatives, including Treaty education teacher training in Manitoba.

After the Pipe Ceremony, and speeches, there was a feast led by Elder George Saddleback.

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.

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner was pleased to travel to Red Earth Nehiyawak Nation or Mihkoskiwakak Nehiyawak with the Treaty Timeline to commemorate 150 years of Treaty 5.

Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan Dr. Kathy Walker met with Chief Zachary Whitecap and Vice Chief Fabian Head for their Treaty Days.

Alongside the Mihkoskiwakak Nehiyawak, Cumberland House Cree Nation and Shoal Lake Cree Nation are commemorating 150 years of Treaty 5 with the Oji-cree, Ojibway (Anishinabek), Cree, and Denesuline nations that belong to Treaty 5, which encompasses over 1 million acres.

Treaty 5, also known as the Winnipeg Treaty, was agreed to on Sept. 20, 1875 (Berens River) and Sept. 24, 1875 (Norway House) with adhesions in the following years. It includes communities in central and northern Manitoba as well as small areas of Saskatchewan and Ontario.

To commemorate 150 years of Treaty 5, Elders, leadership and citizens from many nations, language groups, and areas will gather at Berens River First Nation to renew the Spirit and Intent of Treaty, their relationship to the land, and their right to earn a living from the land.

A Summit of Treaty 5 Sovereign Nations hosted by Berens River First Nation will take place on September 18th, 19th, & 20th, 2025. You can find more information here

This weekend White Bear First Nations celebrates 150 years of Treaty 4.  While the initial signing of Treaty 4 occurred in 1874 at Fort Qu’Appelle, White Bear First Nations became signatories the following year, in 1875.

This historic moment is being honoured by the community and at their powwow.

During a recent visit to White Bear First Nations, Chief Jonathan Pasap shared with the Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker, the importance of recognizing the anniversary, not just as a historical date, but in recognition of the Treaty that is still in place today.

“Treaty 4 is a sacred covenant that continues to be the foundation of the relationship between First Nations and the Crown,” said Commissioner Walker. “The commemoration provides a time for reflection, celebration, and continued commitment to the Spirit and Intent of Treaty 4.”

The powwow will bring together dancers, drummers, elders, knowledge keepers, and community members to celebrate culture and resilience.

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner is pleased to support the gathering with the Treaty 4 Timeline display, which provides a visual representation of our Treaty history on these lands.

The Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker, travelled to the Athabasca region in northern Saskatchewan as part of a community engagement trip organized by Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie and the Prince Albert Grand Council. This trip represents the first in-person visit of the Treaty Commissioner to these Athabasca communities.

In Fond Du Lac and Black Lake Denesuline Nations, Commissioner Walker was honoured to meet with leadership and communities.

The Commissioner provided updates on the OTC roles and responsibilities and discussed how the office can better support the Athabasca First Nations in their Treaty claims and Treaty education.

“Meeting and talking with the leadership and citizens makes you more aware of the strengths of the Athabasca Dene nations, but also of the challenges they face.”

The Commissioner travelled with a group of directors from PAGC, the First Nations Health Ombudsperson Office, PADC, Northern Lights CDC, Athabasca Basin Developments and Associated Engineering and were welcomed with great warmth and hospitality that included a fish fry, tea, and great fishing.

The meetings took place over two days and as updates were provided, a number of Treaty issues specific to the north, were raised, which the OTC will be following up on.

On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan Dr. Kathy Walker, traveled to White Bear First Nation to mark the summer solstice through ceremony, connection, and honouring women.

Hosted by Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway and the Buffalo People Arts Institute, the day included a gathering and sharing circle and a Matriarch and Two-Spirit pipe ceremony.

“The summer solstice has been referred to as the Indigenous New Year,” said Commissioner Walker. “It marks a season of renewal. Being at White Bear surrounded by so many strong women exercising their ceremonial roles, was reinvigorating.”

The pipe ceremony brought together pipe carriers from across Saskatchewan, including Two Spirit carriers and Matriarchs from Red Pheasant, Peepeekisis, and White Bear. About 10 pipes were lifted in ceremony.

“Women have always held important roles in our nations. Ceremonies like this remind us of what was disrupted through colonization and what we are working to restore.”

The significance of place and history was part of the day. This year marks the 150th commemoration of Chief White Bear’s signing of Treaty 4 in 1875. As women gathered in ceremony, an additional community ceremony honouring Chief WhiteBear’s pipe was held. Chief Jonathan Pasap shared words with those gathered, joined by his three-year-old daughter.