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Alberta government misses treaty anniversary event
🇨🇦 Canada /Elections & Politics

Alberta government misses treaty anniversary event

From Global News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • An Alberta First Nation chief criticized the provincial government for its lack of representation at a key event marking the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6.
  • The chief stated that the absence of the Indigenous Relations Minister and other government officials signals a lack of respect and commitment to reconciliation.
  • While the minister's office cited her absence due to travel, First Nations leaders expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with communication and provincial policies.

Joey Pete, grand chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, expressed disappointment and called for greater respect from the Alberta government after the Indigenous Relations Minister missed a significant event commemorating the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6. Pete stated at Edmonton City Hall that the absence of Premier Danielle Smith's government representatives "says a lot" about their commitment to reconciliation.

If we want true reconciliation, it’s time that they need to come and sit at the table with us and understand treaty and respect us and stop pushing us aside.

— Joey PeteExpressing the need for genuine engagement from the government.

"If we want true reconciliation, it’s time that they need to come and sit at the table with us and understand treaty and respect us and stop pushing us aside," Pete told reporters. He specifically questioned the absence of the Indigenous Relations Minister, asking, "Where’s our minister of Indigenous (relations)? She’s not even here. 150 years, is that reconciliation? To me, it’s not."

The event, hosted by the City of Edmonton and Mayor Andrew Knack, included ceremonies, drumming, dancing, and the raising of the Treaty 6 flag. Several government officials attended and spoke, including federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, MP Billy Morin, Alberta NDP Indigenous relations critic Brooks Arcand-Paul, and Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani, who reaffirmed the Crown's commitment to the treaty.

Where’s our minister of Indigenous (relations)? She’s not even here. 150 years, is that reconciliation? To me, it’s not.

— Joey PeteQuestioning the government's commitment to reconciliation due to the minister's absence.

Karah Folk, press secretary for Alberta Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney, stated that the minister was away but remained committed to strong relationships. Folk acknowledged the 150th anniversary as a significant milestone for reflection and future engagement. However, Pete indicated that communication with the province has been unsatisfactory, citing concerns over the province's planned referendum on leaving Canada and pipeline development as major issues that the Alberta government has not adequately addressed.

May we always dwell together on these lands with respect, understanding and a sincere commitment to walking the journey of reconciliation.

— Salma LakhaniReaffirming the Crown's commitment to the treaty during the anniversary event.
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Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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