The monument commemorating the signing of Treaty No. 6 is unveiled at the Alberta legislature on August 21, 2022. (Image: Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

formal recognition

Treaty No. 6 monument unveiled outside Alberta legislature

Aug 22, 2022 | 9:23 AM

EDMONTON, AB – It was a monumental occasion for First Nations groups at Alberta’s capital building.

Members of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, the Government of Canada, Government of Alberta, and the City of Edmonton took part in an unveiling ceremony for a new monument commemorating the signing of Treaty No. 6 on Sunday, August 21, 2022.

Grand Chief George Arcand Jr., Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and Chief of Alexander First Nation, says the monument is located outside of the Alberta legislature building, which was also the same site where the treaty was signed.

“I believe this unveiling is an important event demonstrating that Alberta and the City of Edmonton recognizes the importance and significance of Treaty,” says Arcand Jr. “Treaty is an important part of our collective history, and this formal recognition will help us further discussions with the federal and provincial governments to acknowledge our history and agreements.”

Treaty No. 6 was initially created on August 23, 1876, and signed at Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt in Saskatchewan. The following year, on August 21, the Chiefs from several First Nations in the area met with the Crown in Edmonton to formally enter into the treaty.

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Rick Wilson, Alberta’s Indigenous Relations Minister, says officials have been collaborating for nearly 10 years on the creation of this monument.

“The signing of Treaty Six is a significant part of our shared history,” says Wilson. “I am glad to see this memorialized with the Treaty Six Monument on the Alberta Legislature Grounds where all Albertans can learn of the significance of this important event.”

August 21 is also Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day in Edmonton. The day is meant to celebrate the collaborative relationship between the city and the Confederacy.

A live stream of the unveiling ceremony was held on the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations’ Facebook page.