An Indigenous leader in Alberta expressed disappointment with the provincial government on Monday for their absence at a significant event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6. Joey Pete, the grand chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, emphasized the need for respect and dialogue for true reconciliation to occur.
During the event organized by the City of Edmonton and Mayor Andrew Knack, Indigenous leaders and elders engaged in traditional ceremonies, drumming, dancing, and the raising of the Treaty 6 flag. Various government officials, including federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, Conservative member of Parliament Billy Morin, Alberta NDP Indigenous relations critic Brooks Arcand-Paul, and the mayor, delivered speeches and exchanged gifts.
While Alberta Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani reiterated the Crown’s commitment to the treaty, Alberta’s Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney was notably absent. Sawhney’s office stated that she was away but remains dedicated to fostering strong relationships with Indigenous communities.
Despite assurances from Sawhney’s press secretary, Karah Folk, Indigenous leaders like Pete expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of meaningful engagement on important issues such as the upcoming referendum on separatism and pipeline discussions. Arcand-Paul highlighted that the absence of government representatives, including the minister, sends a negative message about the state of the treaty relationship.
The event marked the beginning of several planned activities in Edmonton to honor the treaty’s anniversary, culminating in a re-enactment of the treaty signing. The initial signing of Treaty 6 in 1876 at Fort Carlton in Saskatchewan encompassed a vast area across central Alberta and central Saskatchewan, with additional commemorative events scheduled for the upcoming weekend at Fort Carlton.
