NationTalk: Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson issued the following statement to commemorate the signing of Treaty 6:
“Today marks 147 years since the signing of Treaty 6 in Fort Carlton, Sask. Almost one year later, on Aug. 21, 1877, First Nations chiefs gathered at a site in amiskwaciwâskahikan, what is now commonly known as Edmonton, to adhere to the treaty. The historic agreement formalized the important relationship between the Crown and 50 First Nations.
“Treaty 6 territory extends west to east from the Rocky Mountains to the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border and north to south from the Athabasca River to the Red Deer River. The treaty is an agreement not only to share the land but to work together to cultivate long-lasting and respectful relationships.
“Our government remains committed to fostering collaborative partnerships with First Nations. Just over one year ago, we formalized another historic agreement with Treaty 6 nations – the Relationship Agreement between the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and the Government of Alberta.
“This agreement outlines our commitment to meet regularly and sets out ways we will work together on issues related to lands and resources, health care, mental health, addiction, education and more. Through our existing protocol and relationship agreements, we are also proactively collaborating with Indigenous communities to plan and develop economic corridors, and to ensure we are partners in prosperity.
“I’d also like to note that one year ago, the Confederacy of Treaty Six Nations, the province and the City of Edmonton partnered to unveil the new Treaty 6 monument on the Alberta legislature grounds. We invite everyone to visit the monument and reflect on the important relationship it signifies as we work to advance reconciliation in Alberta.”
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