This weekend will mark 150 years since the signing of Treaty 6 and one group is commemorating the milestone in a big way. On Monday a convoy of lance runners and horseback riders of all ages departed from James Smith Cree Nation for a four-day trek across central Saskatchewan, all the way to Fort Carlton, with participants from neighbouring First Nations communities joining along the way. “Back when our treaties were signed, they had to travel to get to Fort Carlton and that didn’t happen in one day,” explained Chakastaypasin Chief Calvin Sanderson. “The trail that we took here is the original trail that our ancestors traveled to Fort Carlton to sign treaties.” CTV joined the riders for a bit of the first day on Monday afternoon and spoke with Steven Constant who was working to look after the horses. “It’s a very important day to us,” he said. “You can see that the grandfathers gave us good weather today on our four-day trip to Fort Carlton from James Smith.” The purpose of the ride is to promote healing peace, cultural resilience and to honour historical events. “A lot of us are working hard to make sure that our treaties are still alive and well today,” said Constant. “It just signifies our unity, right? Signifies the importance that all treaty peoples should hold close to their hearts.” Anyone who wanted to participate was invited to join. The group planned to arrive at Fort Carlton just in time for a commemorative gathering that begins Thursday and continues through the weekend. Chief Sanderson said it will be an honour to watch the youth participate in the commemoration.
