Historic Treaty No.6 Summit

Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (Canada) have always had a unique relationship with the British Monarchy through the Treaties that were agreed to with the Crown. Treaty No.6 was entered with the Crown at Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan in 1876 and is central to a special celebration taking place next week. Onion Lake Cree Nation through its Treaty Governance Secretariat will be hosting an “historic” Treaty No.6 Summit from June 3-7, 2012. This big celebration will also coincide with Queen of England’s, Diamond Jubilee which marks the 60th year of her reign.

For the first time since 1876, the Onion Lake Cree Nation will be entering into two Treaties with four other Nations; the first with the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation from Utah, U.S.A. and the second with three Nations from Alberta, including Sucker Creek First Nation, Ermineskin Cree Nation and the Drift Pile First Nation at the Treaty Summit. There will also be a sod turning for the Treaty No.6 Embassy to mark this historic event.

“I am extremely pleased that Onion Lake Cree Nation is once again entering into a Treaty relationship with other Nations. This is something our people have done since time immemorial and this new relationship will help pave the way for our future generations by securing key economic alliances with our brothers and sisters in both Canada and the United States,” stated Chief Wallace Fox of the Onion Lake Cree Nation.

Cultural activities will begin on June 3rd. Media are invited to attend a press conference on Tuesday, June 5th, 2012 for the formal signing of the Treaties commencing at 10 am at Fort Pitt. At 1:30 there will be the ground-breaking ceremony for the Treaty No. 6 Embassy. There will be plenty of memorable moments for photo opportunities and interviews, as the visual set up will be from the era when Treaty No.6 was signed in 1876 with many Chiefs and dignitaries in attendance. Among the guests will be; Dr. Noureddine Amir, the United Nations Co-Chair on the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), Elders, Treaty Chiefs, Treaty Women’s Secretariats, community members, youth, guests and the media.

“Treaty No. 6 which was entered into over 136 years ago is alive and strong today and is the fourth most powerful Treaty according to our Cree Elders,” said Henry Lewis, Director of Treaty Governance Secretariat and Organizer of the Summit.

Onion Lake Cree Nation is a progressive Indigenous Nation which believes in Sovereignty and the Protection of Inherent & Treaty Rights. The Cree Nation has over 5000 members and is governed by their own Cree Governance Structure. The resource rich Nation is the largest oil producing First Nation within Canada. Onion Lake Cree Nation is located 30 minutes north of Lloydminster on highway 17. Directions to Fort Pitt are attached.

For further information, please contact:
Nicole Robertson, Communications Advisor
Muskwa Productions & Consulting
(403) 616-4999
nicole.robertson[at]onionlake.ca

Featured photo: Pexels