125 years celebrated with style

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The cold wind and cloudy day did not dampen the spirits of those in attendance at the 125th anniversary Treaty 7 commemoration held at Blackfoot Crossing, Siksika Nation on Sept. 22.

The day reaffirmed the signing of the treaty that opened up 50,000 square miles for western settlement. On that Sept. 22 in 1877, Chief Crowfoot and Col. James F. Macleod, as well as other prominent chiefs of the area and several representatives of the Dominion of Canada changed the course of history for southern Alberta.

Direct descendants of the chiefs who signed the original document-Crowfoot, Red Crow, Sitting on an Eagle Tail, Bull Head, Bear's Paw-attended the commemoration. A pipe ceremony, speeches, and presentations took place in a large tent on the grounds with several tipis surrounding the area reflecting what the area might have looked like more than a century ago.

The chiefs representing Treaty 7 were Siksika Nation host chief Adrian Stimson Sr., Piikani chief Peter Strikes With A Gun, Tsuu T'ina chief Sanford Big Plume, Bearspaw chief Darcy Dixon, Chiniki chief Aaron Young, Kainai chief Chris Shade and Wesley chief Ernest Wesley.

Several dignitaries, including Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come; Lois Hole, Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta; Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault; and Pearl Calahasen, minister of Alberta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development were present during the reaffirmation ceremony.

The seven-day celebration, which began on Sept. 16, featured sunrise ceremonies, powwow competitions, friendship round dances, a youth talent show, a hand drum competition, handgame tournaments, viewing of the original Treaty 7 document and a traditional feast.

During the ceremony Kainai chief Chris Shade took the opportunity to remind Minister Nault of the ongoing struggle regarding treaty lands and rights.

"Today we are still engaged in the struggle to preserve for our future generations the fundamental values, principles, rights and freedoms that are necessary for us to remain a distinct community. There is a consistent message that has been handed down from generation to generation in the Blood tribe and the Blackfoot confederacy that speaks of the sanctity of the land, our rights and of our continued existence as a unique people. These have to be protected as they are seen as the basis of our survival.

"Our people have mandated the leadership to ensure that the spirit and intent of Treaty 7 be fulfilled and protected. One hundred and twenty-five years ago, our leaders of the day were given a lot of promises. Some of those promises have not happened and, as a matter of fact, overtime the policy has eroded. This is the day that we have to reflect on some of those things..."

Lt.-Gov. Hole presented treaty medallions to the leaders of the Treaty First Nations.

"I felt very honored to be a part of this commemoration. I felt very moved. It brought tears to my eyes to think that 125 years ago this had happened. It was very significant. To be able to be here in this capacity at this time is one of the greatest honors I could have ever imagined, to be with all these marvelous Elders and these important people," she said.

The reaffirmation of the treaty is scheduled to take place every 25 years. Siksika Nation is located one-hour east of Calgary.