An Alberta Indigenous leader criticized the provincial government for missing a key event commemorating the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6, calling for greater respect and engagement with First Nations. The grand chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, Joey Pete, accused officials of prioritizing pipelines and a controversial separation referendum over reconciliation, while the Indigenous relations minister’s absence sparked further tension.
Joey Pete, the grand chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, condemned the Alberta government’s absence from a major event marking the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6, calling it a failure to honor Indigenous rights and reconciliation. The ceremony, held at Edmonton City Hall on Monday, featured Indigenous leaders, elders, and officials from multiple levels of government, but Premier Danielle Smith’s administration was notably absent. 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 said, according to multiple reports.
Chief’s Outcry Over Provincial Absence
Pete’s frustration centered on the Alberta government’s perceived lack of commitment to Indigenous consultation and treaty obligations. He highlighted the province’s focus on pipeline projects and a pending referendum on Alberta’s potential separation from Canada as evidence of a broader disengagement. They come to us and all they talk about is pipelines. They don’t want to talk about any reconciliation, any revenue sharing, any equity pieces with Indigenous communities here in Treaty 6,
he said, a statement echoed across all three sources.
The absence of Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney, who was away, drew sharp criticism. NDP Indigenous relations critic Brooks Arcand-Paul called the lack of representation a “big message” that the United Conservative Party government couldn’t be bothered to show up, including the minister.
Sawhney’s office later stated she was in regular contact
with Treaty 6 leaders but did not clarify her absence. The minister will continue to engage with Treaty 6 First Nations and Indigenous leaders as this important anniversary is commemorated,
her press secretary said, per CBC.
Government Response and Ongoing Tensions
Alberta’s government defended its stance, emphasizing its deeply values its relationships with Treaty 6 First Nations
and acknowledging the anniversary’s significance. A statement from the province’s office reiterated that the 150th anniversary provides for reflection, learning and continued relationship-building.
However, Pete and other leaders argued that such rhetoric lacked substance. We need to continue pushing forward and collaborating with white people. But if the provincial government will not sit with us to honour these things, who will? It has to be the federal government,
he said, a sentiment shared by Arcand-Paul.
The tension reflects broader concerns about the erosion of treaty relationships. Arcand-Paul noted that the provincial government’s push for a separation referendum has made the treaty relationship frail.
He urged elected officials to prioritize Indigenous voices over political agendas. We know that things are heavy right now with separatism. But we as elected officials have to show up, put our feelings aside and actually represent the people we are supposed to represent,
he said, according to Globalnews.
Events Marking the 150th Anniversary
The Edmonton event was the first of several commemorations, including a re-enactment of the treaty’s 1876 signing at Fort Carlton in Saskatchewan. City of Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack issued a proclamation for Treaty 6 Recognition Day, and officials from federal and provincial levels participated in ceremonies, including the raising of the Treaty 6 flag. Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski and Conservative MP Billy Morin also attended, according to Citynews.
Despite the ceremonial efforts, the absence of key provincial figures underscored the fractured relationship between the government and Indigenous communities. Where’s our minister of Indigenous [relations]? She’s not even here — 150 years — is that reconciliation? To me, it’s not,
Pete said, a quote that appeared in all three sources. The event highlighted the disconnect between official statements and the lived experiences of Treaty 6 nations, who continue to demand meaningful consultation and equity.
The coming weeks will see further commemorations, including events at Fort Carlton. However, the immediate fallout from Monday’s ceremony has intensified calls for the Alberta government to address Indigenous concerns head-on.
