Poundmaker to host historic Treaty 6 150th Commemoration

Poundmaker Cree Nation are diving into their rich and complex 150-year history with three days of commemoration.

Held in the heart of Treaty 6 territory, from August 11-13, Poundmaker Cree Nation will celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6 between the British Crown and leaders of Cree, Assiniboine, and Ojibwe First Nations.

On August 11, the commemoration will begin with a full-day gathering centred on exploring the meaning of asotamâtowin – a Cree concept meaning “Treaty, a mutual vow”. Poundmaker Cree Nation will bring Elders, knowledge keepers, First Nations leaders, governments, educators, historians, youth, and the general public to learn, discuss, and reflect on the 150 year history.

“The objective is to educate the community about where we came from, even prior to the Treaty in 1876,” said Milton Tootoosis, event coordinator and member of Poundmaker Cree Nation.

“It will be a deep dive into the history. We’re going to gently remind everyone where we came from, where we’re at, and where we’re going for the next 150 years.”

The program will first take participants through two defining eras: Before Treaty, which will examine the spiritual, cultural, and political foundations that existed before Treaty 6; and After Treaty, which will explore pivotal moments in Poundmaker Cree Nation’s history, including rebuilding the nation following exile and the exoneration of Chief Poundmaker by the Government of Canada.

“We always hear from our Elders that you have to know where you came from – our current youth and younger population may not have heard these stories,” said Tootoosis.

“We think it’s important to educate not just the older generations, but (all generations) many of whom are losing their culture because they’re not speaking the language. This is important work.”

The close chapter of the program, The Next 150 Years, will feature a discussion that will focus on the future of Treaty relationships through education, youth leadership, and Reconciliation.

“These discussions are going to remind us that our Treaties are alive and well. It’s not a historical document, they’re alive and breathing,” said Tootoosis. “I hope it’s a reminder for our younger generations to be aware, to be proud, and to be strong defenders of Treaty moving forward.”

Following the historical deep dive, Poundmaker Cree Nation will host a competitive Pow Wow on August 12 and 13, with cash prizes for singers and dancers in several categories, including Traditional, Jingle, Chicken, Fancy, and Grass.