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August 23, 2024
The City of Edmonton and Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 Nations raised the Treaty No. 6 flag on the City’s official flag poles during a ceremony held at City Hall today to commemorate Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day in Edmonton. Alexander First Nation Chief George Arcand Jr (on behalf of Grand Chief Cody Thomas), Treaty No. 6 Chiefs, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, members of City Council and other dignitaries and guests were on hand to recognize the annual event, which has been hosted in partnership between the City and Confederacy since 2013.
“Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day is an opportunity for all who make their homes here to reflect on our relationships and responsibilities as Treaty people,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “Our Memorandum of Cooperative Dialogue is a sign of respect, honour and hope that guides the ongoing collaboration between the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 Nations and the City of Edmonton. I look forward to our continued partnerships as we reflect on our relationships with the land, educate ourselves about our history and colonial past, and importantly, celebrate Indigenous brilliance, culture, language and traditions.”
This marks the 11th year that the City and Confederacy have collaborated together to present a day of commemoration, education and celebration on the importance of Treaty relationships and a shared commitment to working together positively. Following the flag raising, the event featured singing and drumming from the River Cree Drum Group, greetings from both the Federal and Provincial governments, and a traditional gift exchange between Mayor Sohi and Alexander First Nation Chief George Arcand Jr, representing the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 Nations on behalf of Grand Chief Thomas.
“Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day is more than a commemoration of our shared history; it is a reaffirmation of our ongoing responsibilities to one another,” said Alexander First Nation Chief George Arcand Jr, speaking on behalf of the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 Nations. “The land we stand on today connects us to the wisdom of our ancestors, who envisioned a future of mutual respect and collaboration. As we mark this important day, we commit ourselves to nurturing the relationship between our Nations and the City of Edmonton. Together, we can create a path forward that honours the spirit of Treaty No. 6, not just in words, but in actions that benefit all people who call this territory home."
Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day acknowledges the signing of Treaty No. 6 between the Plain and Wood Cree, Dene, Nakota Sioux peoples and the 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.
The City of Edmonton and the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and Dialogue in 2012, an agreement that committed both organizations to respectful engagements, communication, and collaboration on topics of interest such as housing, consultation and developments. Last year, the City and Confederacy both signed a joint Letter of Intent, a commitment to working together to advocate for more Indigenous-led affordable housing in Edmonton.
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