A delegation of seven Treaty 6 First Nations chiefs from Saskatchewan is embarking on a significant journey to London, where they will meet King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. The leaders plan to extend a formal invitation to the monarch to attend the 150th Commemoration of Treaty 6, scheduled for August 20-23 at Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan.
Historic Mission to Reaffirm Treaty Relationships
The delegation departed from Saskatoon on Monday, carrying with them the weight of history and the hopes of their communities. This visit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing relationship between Treaty 6 First Nations and the British Crown, with leaders seeking to honor and strengthen the bonds established nearly a century and a half ago.
Delegation Composition and Leadership
The group includes prominent First Nations leaders who represent diverse communities across Saskatchewan:
- Chief Larry Ahenakew of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, who has taken charge of leading the invitation to the British Crown
- Chief Darryl Watson of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak
- Chief Edwin Ananas of the Beardy's and Okemasis Cree Nation
- Chief Christine Longjohn of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation
- Councillor Gary LaPlante of the Stoney Knoll First Nation
- Grand Council Chief Joey Pete of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations
- Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe
Symbolic Gestures and Educational Goals
Chief Christine Longjohn plans to present King Charles III with baby moccasins during the meeting, a symbolic gift intended to emphasize that "care for our children and future generations must be at the centre of our governance and decision-making." This gesture underscores the intergenerational significance of treaty relationships and the ongoing commitment to honoring agreements made for future prosperity.
Return of Historic Treaty Parchment
One of the most significant aspects of the potential royal visit involves the return of the original Treaty 6 parchment to Fort Carlton for the first time since 1876. Chief Edwin Ananas has taken the lead in facilitating this historic homecoming, recognizing the document's importance as a tangible connection to the past.
"While the treaty texts do not tell the complete story of what was agreed to under Treaty 6, they are a key part of our history," Ananas explained. "My hope is that the visiting Treaty 6 exhibits will provide much needed treaty education and awareness that will provide a strong foundation for realizing treaty over the next 150 years."
Collaborative Efforts and Sovereign Voices
The delegation has partnered with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner to coordinate the potential royal visit. Chief Darryl Watson emphasized that "the aim of the delegation is to contribute to honouring Treaty 6 and the Treaties 1-11 bundle," while acknowledging the sovereignty of each nation.
"As a delegation, we do not seek to speak for all of Treaty 6, because each nation exercises its own sovereign, self-determining authority and voice," Watson added, highlighting the respectful approach to representation.
Looking Toward the Future
This London meeting represents more than just a ceremonial invitation—it symbolizes the ongoing commitment to treaty relationships and the importance of maintaining dialogue between First Nations and the Crown. The 150th Commemoration of Treaty 6 in August will serve as both a reflection on history and a forward-looking celebration of the enduring agreements that continue to shape relationships in Saskatchewan and beyond.
The delegation's visit to Buckingham Palace comes at a time when treaty education and awareness are increasingly recognized as essential components of reconciliation and mutual understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
