Original Treaty 6 parchment to be showcased at 150th signing commemoration

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Shortly after each treaty was signed, the government produced a limited number of poster-sized commemorative reproductions on parchment. Some of these treaty parchments were sent to government officials and some were distributed to the signatory chiefs and headmen, as promised, but some were not.

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Ananas noted it was a surreal experience to see the original parchment up close and in person, adding it is in immaculate condition and includes the signatures of the First Nations chiefs who were there when it was signed on Aug. 23, 1876, near Fort Carlton, which is about a 10-minute drive from BOCN.  

“This is the first time that document will ever leave its place,” Ananas said.  

“It’s the first time it’s ever leaving since it arrived in Ottawa back in the 1870s or whenever it got there. It’s the first time it is ever leaving, so it is very important we look after it because it is our history.” 

A copy of Treaty 6 and the signatories. (Image Credit: www.treatysix.org)

The original parchment will travel from Ottawa to Saskatoon’s University of Saskatchewan via a special courier, before it is displayed at the Treaty 6 commemoration at Fort Carlton. There will be security protecting the parchment, and there are a number of stipulations that need to be met like climate control and lighting, to ensure the physical integrity of it.

After it is displayed at Fort Carlton, it will return to the University of Saskatchewan until Onion Lake Cree Nation hosts another Treaty 6 150-year commemorative event at Fort Pitt from Sept. 6-11. That event marks the second group of signings in 1876.  

Treaty 6 encompasses a large area in Alberta and Saskatchewan. It was signed by approximately 50 First Nations during the original signings and later adhesions. Treaty 6 is particularly noteworthy as it includes three terms not found in the earlier numbered treaties, including access to a medicine chest, an increase to agricultural assistance, and a promise to protect First Nations in times of famine and pestilence.  

Read more about the upcoming 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6 online here.  

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derek.cornet@pattisomedia.com