Communities honour 150 years of Treaty 6 by spreading knowledge, stories and song

Halyna Mihalik · CBC News

· Posted: Aug 23, 2026 7:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: August 23

First Nations in Saskatchewan and Alberta are marking a major milestone. Crowds poured into the grounds at Fort Carleton to celebrate 150 years of Treaty 6.

“Being a part of Treaty 6 is pretty special to us,” Preston Gamble said as he pounded a drum during the event’s opening ceremony Friday. 

The drummer from Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation has been playing since age three, and he’s often joined by his brothers, cousins and nephews.

He said honouring Treaty means sharing songs, food and stories.

“Being able to share our gift of song, our gift of prayer, when we’re able to be called upon through ceremony, through power, through round dance in our community and for our people,” Gamble said.

It was 150 years ago, this Sunday,  Aug. 23, 1876, that Treaty 6 was first signed at Fort Carleton Saskatchewan, about 100 kilometers north of Saskatoon.

And then again on Sept. 9, 1876, at Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan, about 60 kilometers North of Lloydminster.

The historic agreement was between the British Crown and more than 50 First Nations across central portions of present-day Saskatchewan and Alberta.

• It's the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6. Here's how to mark the event in Alberta and Sask.

The purpose was to secure survival, protection and assistance caused by vanishing buffalo herds.

The original parchment where Treaty 6 was signed was on display for people to look at up close.

Louisa Mieso said she came from Samson Cree Nation to see the 12 pages of handwritten signatures and Treaty clauses up close.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the actual treaty parchment,” Mieso said. “Knowing that our ancestors were here who did sign on the treaties and who took that time.”

It was one of the last numbered treaties to be signed, as chiefs were adamant two clauses be added that are unique to the Treaty 6 document.

The famine and pestilence clause bound the Crown to come to aid in times of famine in First Nations communities.

And the medicine chest clause ensured Indigenous people’s right to health care and the protection of traditional medicine.

Chief Calvin Sanderson of Chakastaypasin Cree Nation said those clauses have ensured a better quality of life for the next generation.

“They didn’t just think about it overnight,” Sanderson said. “They had ceremonies on how we can protect mother earth as long as the river flows, the grass grows and the sun shines, and it’s still happening today.”

Education was a focal point of the event. Forums were held at the mainstage to give youth, women and elders a platform to discuss their lived experience. 

Elder Gladys Wapass-Greyeyes from Thunderchild First Nation spoke about the importance of mandatory Treaty education in Saskatchewan schools.

The provincial government made those teachings mandatory in 2007 and Wapass-Greyeyes helped design that curriculum by consulting with teachers and sharing her story about surviving residential schools.

She said if treaties iare taught in the classroom, the next generation will be better for it. 

"I really believe that in the future, the babies that are babies now and the ones growing up, if they're taught in the same level of education that they will grow together and stronger,” Wapass-Greyeyes said.

“And maybe make a better world for themselves to live in." 

Celebrations continue into Sunday, with a hand game tournament and traditional feast.

There will also be an unveiling of a special monument and plaque to mark a century and a half of Treaty 6, with remarks from Gov. General Louise Arbor.