August 27, 2021
For the first time in two years, the Treaty 6 flag was raised in ceremony to commemorate Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day as Chiefs from the Confederacy, Mayor Iveson and City Council, Honourable Rick Wilson, Alberta’s Minister of Indigenous Relations, and other guests gathered outside City Hall.
"We are commemorating a pivotal historical event and celebrating a living relationship that shapes our identity. We are especially blessed to share in the diverse cultural, economic and social contributions that Indigenous peoples and organizations bring to our city every day," said Mayor Don Iveson. "This is a time for all of us who call this place home to renew our pledge—individually and collectively—to continue to learn and explore our truth and to foster healing and reconciliation through action."
This marks the ninth year of recognizing Treaty No. 6 Day in Edmonton, led by the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, and with support from Edmonton Public Library and Fort Edmonton Park. A tipi was set up on City Hall Plaza for the pipe ceremony.
“It gives us great honour to acknowledge the city of Edmonton for declaring August 27 as Treaty No. 6 Recognition day.” said Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 Grand Chief, Okimaw Vernon Watchmaker. “We thank Mayor Iveson and the City of Edmonton for continuously honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaty, working diligently towards reconciliation and hope that the relationship continues for as long as the sun shines, the rivers flow, and the grass grows.”
Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day acknowledges the signing of Treaty No. 6 between the Plain and Wood Cree Peoples, and the Canadian Crown on August 23, 1876. As well as the signing of the adhesion to Treaty No. 6 by Cree, Saulteaux, and Nakota Sioux Chiefs at Fort Edmonton a year later on August 21, 1877.
In 2012, the City of Edmonton and the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and Dialogue. The City’s Indigenous Relations Office has supported coordination of this event since 2013, to help recognize and bring awareness to the importance of Edmonton’s Treaty relationship with the First Peoples of this land, and to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of local First Nations people to the development of the region.
