Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation Invites King Charles to Treaty 6 Commemoration

In a major expression of partnership and treaty renewal, Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation has invited King Charles to attend an upcoming commemoration.

On August 23, 2026, Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation are planning a 150^th commemoration of Treaty 6, which was signed in 1876. To highlight the landmark event, leaders are hoping for a royal guest.

“I think this would be important for our people because it would reaffirm that our Treaty exists, as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow,” said Chief Larry Ahenakew of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

“It would reinforce the continued relationship between First Nations in Treaty 6 and the Crown.”

A letter inviting King Charles to next year’s commemoration was mailed the last week of January. Ahenakew said they expect a response in three to six months.

“I do think he’ll accept. Whether he attends or sends a representative, maybe one of his sons. Our Chief, Chief Ahtahkakoop was one of the original signatories for Treaty 6, along Chief Mistawasis, who spoke about thinking of future generations, thinking of our children’s children,” said Ahenakew.

Invites for the commemoration have also been sent to the Prime Minister, Governor General, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, and the Premier of Saskatchewan.

Ahenakew said that as Treaty 6 extends through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and part of BC, nations from all four provinces would be invited the celebration, that would likely take place over six days at Ahtahkakoop.

“This is rooted in the Royal Proclamation of 1763, so its very much strengthening a treaty relationship that goes back hundreds of years,” said Dr. Kathy Walker, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan.

“The Royal Proclamation of 1763 is an instrument that is regarded as recognizing Indigenous sovereignty, and also set out the original principles of treaty making. So it’s really about promoting a stronger understanding of our shared treaty history between First Nations and the Crown.”

After King Charles assumed the throne in 2023 at the age of 73, he has made a total of nine overseas trips, none of which have been to North America. His latest trip was in January of 2025 to Poland for the 80^th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Walker said that importance of the treaties to the Monarchy are equal to that of the First Nations.

“The treaties are quite significant from the First Nations perspective, but should be equally significant from the Crown’s perspective because they’re basically the foundation for how the Commonwealth was strengthened. A lot of rights, privileges, and wealth that the Crown enjoys today stem from the treaties with First Nations people,” she said.

A similar commemoration took place last year in honour of the 150^th anniversary of Treaty 4, in which King Charles was also invited but did not attend. That invitation was sent about six months prior to the event. Leaders from Treaty 6 are giving the King almost 20 months notice.

“Hopefully that’s enough lead time,” said Walker.  “It’s all speculation on my part, but I think they (Ahtahkakoop) have a very good rationale for why the King should visit next year.”