It was a time to come together for area First Nations during Treaty Days Tuesday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Honouring traditions

Treaty Days celebrated in Battlefords

Jun 20, 2023 | 3:33 PM

Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc. (BATC) celebrated Urban Treaty Days with a ceremony and mini powwow at Rotary Plaza in North Battleford Tuesday.

Each reserve was represented at the ceremony.

Master of Ceremonies, Ray Fox, a Sweetgrass First Nation member and band councillor, said traditionally during Treaty Days, people come in to pick up their $5 annuity. At one time, they would also collect staples like lard and some tea.

Fox adds, the Treaties are still “very much alive” today.

“We signed Treaties based around that $5,” he said. “That’s all it’s been worth all this time. There are other [components] that branch from that, but it’s still that symbolic $5, which means you are still on Treaty.”

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Inside the Dekker Centre, as part of the traditional ceremony, band members each received a $5 Treaty annuity payment from Indigenous Services Canada.

The historic significance of Treaty annuity payment is that when First Nation bands first signed their Treaties with the government, as part of that agreement they would receive this $5 annuity compensation every year.

North Battleford Mayor David Gillan and Town of Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie also took part in the ceremony, along with First Nation Elders and leaders.

“Urban Treaty Days is a nice day to bring everyone together — all the nations. BATC does a good job to recognize the culture and the contributions by Indigenous nations in our community,” Leslie said. “It’s nice to come and partake in today’s events, and the events of tomorrow as well for Indigenous Peoples Day.”

Mitchell Night, from Saulteaux First Nation, left, receives his $5 Treaty annuity payment during the Urban Treaty Day event Tuesday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Terry Goertzen, regional executive officer with First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, spoke on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada, during the ceremony.

“We want to acknowledge all the bands that comprise BATC, and the incredible contribution you have made to these communities, and to the rich culture that constitutes our country that we call Canada,” he said. “Your contributions historically and to this day have made this country a better country.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow