Written by: Candice Pete-Cardoso and Darla Read, ASPA Executive
In 1876, First Nations and the Crown entered into Treaty 6 at Fort Carleton on August 23.
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6, hundreds journeyed to Fort Carleton Provincial Historic Park from August 20 to 23, 2026, including ASPA Executive members Candice Pete-Cardoso and Darla Read.
The two were part of a group from kihci-okāwīmāw askiy (Great Mother Earth) Knowledge Centre who volunteered with the Indigenous youth tent, just one of the many activities included at this special event. A highlight at the event was visitors could view the original Treaty 6 parchment.
This milestone event offered people a profound opportunity to reflect on their shared history, honour the Spirit and Intent of Treaty, and reaffirm their commitment to its ongoing implementation for future generations.
“The kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre leads through Indigenous worldviews, advancing knowledge sovereignty and uplifting the ethically grounded principles that guide how traditional knowledge is accessed, earned, and shared,” explained Pete-Cardoso, who is the Director of the Centre. “The commemoration of Treaty 6 was a great opportunity for us to share Indigenous worldviews about grasslands conservation to the youth. The youth are future leaders in the area of conservation, critical to our role in protecting Mother Earth.”
What we speak of and do now will last as long as the sun shines and the river runs, we are looking forward to our children’s children, for we are old and have but few days to live.”
– Chief Weekaskookwasayin, Treaty 6, 1876
Treaties are sacred covenants between First Nations and the rest of Canada, whereby the relationships built are meant to address the well-being of both parties and also provide First Nations to exercise jurisdiction and governance over their lands and people.
“When I hold your hand and touch your heart, let us be as one.”
– Chief Mistawasis, Treaty 6, 1876
“As a white settler, it felt important to give of my time to mark the 150th anniversary,” explained ASPA Vice President Darla Read. “I also feel a duty to further the conversation: what are we as settlers and non-Indigenous people doing to uphold the treaties?”
To learn more about Treaties, visit these resources: