An Alberta Indigenous leader expressed disappointment with the provincial government for not sending the Indigenous relations minister to a significant event marking the 150th anniversary of the Treaty 6 signing. Grand Chief Joey Pete of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations emphasized the need for respect and engagement from Premier Danielle Smith’s administration to advance true reconciliation efforts.

The commemorative event, held at Edmonton City Hall and organized by Mayor Andrew Knack, featured ceremonies, drumming, dancing, and the raising of the Treaty 6 flag. Various government officials, including federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, Conservative MP Billy Morin, NDP Indigenous relations critic Brooks Arcand-Paul, and the mayor, delivered speeches and exchanged gifts.

Alberta Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani reaffirmed the Crown’s commitment to the treaty during her speech, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and reconciliation. Despite the absence of Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney, her office assured ongoing engagement with Treaty 6 First Nations and Indigenous leaders to mark this significant milestone.

Chief Pete expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s focus on issues like pipelines rather than meaningful reconciliation efforts and equitable partnerships with Indigenous communities within Treaty 6. He stressed the importance of collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, highlighting the federal government’s role in honoring these commitments if the provincial government falls short.

Following the event, NDP critic Arcand-Paul noted that the push for separatism in the province has strained the treaty relationship, pointing out the absence of government officials from the United Conservative Party at the commemoration. He emphasized the responsibility of elected representatives to prioritize constituents and bridge divides, despite political tensions.

The anniversary event in Edmonton is part of a series of activities planned throughout the week, including a re-enactment of the treaty signing. The first signing of Treaty 6 occurred at Fort Carlton in Saskatchewan on August 23, 1876, encompassing significant parts of central Alberta and central Saskatchewan. Additional commemorative events are scheduled for the upcoming weekend at Fort Carlton.