Mike Beaver of Bigstone Cree Nation led the ceremonies with the Treaty 8 Pipe at the 125th commemoration, held at Sucker Creek and Kapawe’no on the shore of Lesser Slave Lake. His presence was powerful and set the spirit for the whole gathering. Alongside the leaders, he lifted the Pipe in prayer on the same shores where, on June 21, 1899, the Cree entered into Treaty 8. “Our ancestors agreed to share the land with the settlers so they could use it, but not destroy it, and not take or disturb the resources that belong to the Nations”. Gathering in that place 125 years later brought the words and intent of that agreement back to where it began.
Through the Pipe, Mike Beaver prayed for unity and asked the Nations of Treaty 8 to come together and work as one. He reminded those gathered that the treaty was made by our ancestors in good faith. It is now up to this generation to stand together and protect the inherent rights of the Nations over their lands, resources and water. His message was clear: after 125 years, the promise still stands, and the Nations must carry it forward together for the children and the generations yet to come.
To learn more about the Treaty 8 Gathering, Oti Nekan, visit www.125treaty8.com
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