By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

A group of pilgrims from Saskatoon were among those who travelled to Fort Carlton this summer to mark the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6.

The Aug. 21 trip was organized by the St. Mary Parish Truth and Reconciliation Committee.

The Saskatoon group attended the second day of the four-day celebration, which had as a daily theme of “Gathering and Dialogue.”

The day featured forums, cultural events and public programming on the grounds where Treaty 6 was signed on Aug. 23, 1876 between the Crown and several First Nations. Other signing ceremonies have also taken place in August and September at a number of locations in Treaty 6 territory, which extends from western Alberta through Saskatchewan into Manitoba.

The grand entry on the second day of four days of ceremony, dialogue and commemoration at Fort Carlton, SK, marking the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6. (Photo by Ivan Hitchings)

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) in Saskatchewan worked alongside Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation to bring the original Treaty 6 manuscript back to its traditional territory for the 150-year commemoration, reported the OTC website. The document has been stored at the national archives near Ottawa since it was signed.

Reflecting on the journey

Since returning from the St. Mary Parish journey “together as partners walking this road toward reconciliation,” participants have taken the time to reflect and write about their experiences at Treaty 6 150.

In her reflection, participant Sandi Harper of Our Lady of Guadalupe Indigenous Parish expressed her gratitude to the St. Mary group for organizing the trip.

“As an Indigenous woman of Métis and Cree ancestry, it was a rewarding experience to see firsthand the original Treaty 6 document that was signed 150 years ago,” she said. “This parchment represents the agreement made between Indigenous people and the Crown to live peacefully on Mother Earth sharing the resources she provides.”

Harper added: “This living, breathing document substantiates Treaty 6 by validating the commitment, and the mutual obligations of the continued lasting relationship between the Indigenous people and the Crown. May we, as Treaty people, recognize our roles and live up to our obligations.”

(Photo by Ivan Hitchings)

Other participants also expressed thanksgiving for the chance to share in the commemoration.

“I am so grateful to have journeyed to Fort Carlton with parishioners from Guadalupe and St. Mary’s, to share bread together and to talk together,” said St. Mary parishioner Bonnie Roberts.

Moments in history

“I stood beside an Indigenous couple as we, side by side, watched the opening ceremonies for the commemorative event of the signing of Treaty 6, 150 years ago. It was visually impressive with the colorful native regalia, drumming, flags blowing in the wind. Powerful to my eyes, ears and heart,” Roberts wrote in her reflection.

(Photo by Ivan Hitchings)

“I was imagining what it could have been like 150 years ago, Roberts said, “How unequal, tense and deeply uncertain it must have been for Indigenous leaders of nations negotiating for survival while surrounded by people who controlled the food supply, the military and the written language. Pressure, confusion, caution and responsibility all at once.”

Noting the power imbalance between those who signed the treaty in 1876, Roberts wrote: “The Indigenous leaders of nations, (were) acting with courage in an impossible situation.”

“I thought of the passing years since the signing of that treaty. The Indian Act being drawn up while treaties were being signed. Residential schools, the 60’s scoop, the high rate of incarceration of Indigenous people, the high incidence of Indigenous children in foster care. The high rate of homelessness and addiction among Indigenous people,” she said.

“My tears fell as they do when there is injustice.”

Spiritually rich experience

Carol Lahey-Wiggs, a member of the Truth and Reconciliation team at Saint Anne Parish in Saskatoon and a volunteer at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, wrote that she will always be proud to have attended the Treaty 6 150 celebration.

“It was a beautiful day — both because of the hot sunny weather but also because of the spiritually rich event. There were moments when I was moved to tears hearing the profound words from the Elders and our Indigenous brothers and sisters, feeling their pride having survived through an incredibly difficult time and working towards awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation within themselves and with others.”

Lahey-Wiggs added: “If there is anything I have learned since my involvement with the Truth and Reconciliation Committee at Saint Anne’s parish, it is that we all have something within us to reconcile before we can move forward to bettering ourselves and others. Celebrating the past is a good way to see the present and improve the future!”

(Photo by Ivan Hitchings)

Sharing perspectives

“Our trip to Fort Carlton to commemorate the signing of Treaty 6 was impactful in many ways,” said participant Barbara Aden.

“Learning about the Indigenous cultures and their perspectives is really enlightening and enriching,” Aden wrote, noting: “The treaty was a sacred agreement on how to live and share this land and be in relationship with each other.”

“The way we of St Mary’s joined with Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish — sharing our different understandings and perspectives and resources — was living the spirit of Treaty as it was meant to be…all pooling together and building friendships and being enriched and broadened in our perspectives,” Aden added.  “I hope to continue this path.”

“Heart knowledge”

Bernice Daratha of the St. Mary Truth and Reconciliation Committee said the journey to Fort Carlton brought her from a minimal understanding of Treaty 6 that was mostly “head knowledge” to a new and deeper level.

“The experience of seeing the actual Treaty 6 parchments, 12 pages in all, hearing  explanations and questions answered, gave me ‘heart-knowledge’,” Daratha wrote.

“I now have a better understanding of the reality that we are all Treaty people and that the Treaties are living, breathing documents which have to change and adapt to fit modern times rather than staying fixed in their original meaning” she said.

“The transformation of my heart has led to deeper sense of solidarity, commitment to relationship and action with First Nations.”

Bishop’s Message

In a message to the diocese about the milestone 150th anniversary of Treaty 6, Bishop Mark Hagemoen acknowledged “the history of this land and in the relationships that continue to shape our life together.”

For the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, situated on Treaty 6 territory, the anniversary is a moment for thanksgiving and reflection, he said.

“For us as a Church, this commemoration also speaks to our continuing journey of truth, healing, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. It calls us to humility, attentive listening, and a commitment to relationship-building, grounded in respect, justice, and mutual care,” said the bishop.

“On this 150th anniversary, we offer our prayers and support to the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, leaders, families, and communities of Treaty 6. We are grateful for those who continue to preserve and pass on the teachings, traditions, and spirit of Treaty to future generations.”

The bishop concluded his Aug. 17 message with a prayer to God for blessing and guidance “as we honour the past, strengthen our relationships in the present, and continue together to build hope.”

RELATED – A gathering of parish TRC committees will be held in the diocese of Saskatoon Sept. 14 – LINK

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