Commemoration biggest summer event

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To mark the passing of 100 years since the signing of Treaty number eight, 38 First Nation communities and the federal, provincial and municipal governments will work together to organize an eventful remembrance of the treaty.

Commemoration events will take place at Grouard, to be near Willow Point, which is where the actual signing took place on June 21, 1899. Grouard is about 375 km north of Edmonton.

The first signatories of Treaty 8 are reported to be Chief Kinosayo and the headmen that represented the tribes along the Lesser Slave Lake.

The centennial is called "Oti Nekan" which means strengthening our relations, said Phil Mercredi, marketing and promotions co-ordinator for the commemoration.

"The promises will be re-visited, to educate the Canadian public, and it's quite fitting that the centennial falls on National Aboriginal Day," said Mercredi.

Organizers of the centennial are expecting thousands of visitors to gather during the events of June 17 to June 21. The Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council was given the mandate by the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta to co-ordinate anniversary events.

Events will include a major Powwow, a tea dance, a feast and give-away, a teepee village and a dance.

"It's with hope for future generations and our strength for survival, the Cree, Dene, Beaver and Chipewyan First Nation people will be represented," said Mercredi.

An academic conference that includes genealogy and research workshops is scheduled as part of the package. The committee has established a zero tolerance for drug and alcohol at the event.

A major project that will be part of the centennial is the construction and unveiling of a commemorative monument and a interpretive centre.

In the promotional brochure, the 21 Treaty 8 promises are shared as remembered and understood by the Elders.

A kick-off fundraising gala is scheduled for April 20, hosted by the committee at the Provincial Museum of Alberta. Contact the special events co-ordinator at (780) 444-9366.