The Office of the Treaty Commissioner was honoured to attend the 150-year commemoration event of Treaty 4 and the week long activities leading up to September 15.

From Tuesday to Thursday, the OTC Treaty Education team facilitated programming with thousands of students, from across Treaty 4, including participants from as far away as Manitoba. Using the Treaty 4 Timeline created specifically for this event, the OTC ran jeopardy-style games to engage the youth in learning. There was also Treaty Education using the Treaty 4 replica medals.

“It was amazing. It was awesome. You instantly felt the significance of what we were there for,” said Charmaine Gardiner, the OTC’s Treaty Learning Network Coordinator.

On Sunday, the team participated in the official commemoration as Treaty 4 Chiefs reflected on the challenging past 150 years, and shared their visions for the future.

“It was amazing to be part of history,” said Elaine Sutherland, the OTC Director of Treaty Education.

Federal government representatives, RCMP members, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe were also in attendance.

“There were many tough speeches that reminded all the government officials that were there from the province and the feds, about the spirit and intent of Treaty, this was not exactly a celebration, you heard the Chiefs and the Elders reminding everybody whose land this is and they (Gov and RCMP) had a lot more work to do,” OTC executive director, Angie Merasty, said.

“I guess what was celebrated was the fact that as First Nations People – we are still here.”

In addition to the large Treaty 4 Timeline display, the OTC worked in partnership with File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council to create and set up the Treaty 4 historical trail. This trail led people on a short walk through key milestones of Treaty 4 history. Also, at the Treaty 4 Gathering the OTC shared the trailer for the documentary Voices of Treaty 4, directed by Benji Noon and produced by Joni Brass with support from Heritage Canada. This trailer was premiered at the OTC Elders Gathering on Sept. 12.