Celebrations are underway at Fort Carlton Provincial Historic Park as Treaty 6 marks its 150th anniversary, with chiefs and community leaders leading the grand entry Friday morning. The four-day gathering commemorates the negotiation and signing of Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton in 1876. Some attending the event said being part of the historic commemoration was a powerful experience. “We saw an eagle fly over during the grand entry and it was amazing,” Dennis Semaganis said. “This is a historic event that you won’t see any other time in your lifetime, and that’s something that people should take very seriously,” Kate Kading said. Many people also lined up to see the original Treaty 6 manuscript, which was brought to Fort Carlton from Ottawa for the commemoration. “It felt like it was coming home to us,” Ardis Petit said. “The good intent that our ancestors did to negotiate for all of us and seeing it on paper … that’s really awesome.” “To me, it was quite surprising to see the size of the document itself because I assumed it was just the one document, but seeing 11 in total was something else,” Kristen Cameron said. “I just came to see the document. That’s a piece of history that I’m never going to see again,” Kevin Okemaysin said. For Chief Edwin Ananas of Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation, a year of planning has led to a moment he’s proud to be part of. “Learning the ceremony portion and having our treaty bundle brought home and commemorating this entire event is a huge feeling of gratitude for me,” Ananas said. The commemoration wraps up Sunday afternoon. Governor General Louise Arbour is expected to attend Sunday’s commemorative ceremony.
