NationTalk: Alberta’s government has signed an agreement with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations to strengthen their relationship through partnership and a shared path forward.

Premier Jason Kenney and Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson attended the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Annual General Meeting on July 19 at the River Cree Resort and Casino for a signing ceremony. Signing the relationship agreement reinforces a mutual commitment for the confederacy and Alberta’s government to address priority areas together.

“Since Day 1, Alberta’s government has been committed to rebuilding the relationship with First Nations through more than just words – what Chief Littlechild calls ‘reconcili-action.’ This means that we will work closely with Treaty 6 partners to live up to the promise of the treaty and ensure that all communities thrive together.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

“Taking meaningful steps toward true reconciliation means listening to and working with Indigenous Peoples. I thank Grand Chief George Arcand Jr. for his dedication to collaboration and re-establishing a positive, productive relationship of mutual respect with Alberta’s government.”

Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations

“The importance of the relationship agreement with the Government of Alberta cannot be understated. It is more than just a document. It is a promise to communicate and collaborate in the spirit of respect and partnership with a focus on shared social priorities and economic prosperity, now and in the future. This agreement gives Alberta and the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations a way to have meaningful discussions while honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaty.”

Grand Chief George Arcand Jr., Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations

The relationship agreement commits to:

• quarterly meetings of the minister and chiefs at each table to review and approve work plans
• an annual meeting with the Premier
• the development of an annual report outlining progress on all 10 priority work plans

Alberta’s government is committed to provide the confederacy with a $300,000 capacity grant for the 2022-23 fiscal year upon signing of the agreement.

Quick facts

• The confederacy is comprised of 16 member Nations, excluding Saddle Lake Cree and Onion Lake Cree Nations.
• In July 2019, cabinet approved a mandate for Indigenous Relations to pursue a protocol agreement with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations.
• The confederacy signed their inaugural Protocol Agreement on Dec. 16, 2020.
• The Alberta-Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Relationship Agreement outlines four more new tables bringing the focus to 10 priorities, which include:
  • land and resources
  • health care
  • education
  • justice and policing
  • economic development and urban reserves
  • culture and tourism
  • emergency management
  • reconciliation
  • family services and housing
  • mental health, addictions and opioid crisis