In 1910, our ancestors signed Treaty #8 with Canada. In exchange for the guarantee that we are free to live our lives as formerly and undisturbed by newcomers, our ancestors agreed to share our lands and to live in peace with our new neighbours. It was understood that peace could only come if we were each left to travel our path as we walked toward a common future. Many things have changed in 110 years, and at times the spirit of the treaty has been forgotten by our new neighbours, but our understanding of the treaty relationship remains and will remain “as long as the sun shines, the river flows and the grass grows”.

Our homelands remain unceded Treaty territory. Treaty No. 8 is not a surrender treaty. It is Crown recognition of our title to our lands and a treaty of peace and sharing. It is an international agreement establishing a peaceful relationship between Indigenous nations and Canada. In agreeing to welcome newcomers in peace we did not give up our homelands, rather, we formed a solemn relationship that allowed Canadians to flourish peacefully in our lands.