Treaty 6 Territory Acknowledgement and Recognition Day — August 23, 2023

WHEREAS; the signing of Treaty 6 took place at Fort Carlton on August 23, 1876 and at Fort Pitt on September 9, 1876; and

WHEREAS; the Treaty was signed between the Plains, Wood Cree, Nakota, Saulteaux and Dene peoples and the Crown, with further signatories added at later dates; and

WHEREAS; Treaty 6 boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan, encompassing 17 First Nations in central Alberta; and

WHEREAS; Stony Plain was founded within Treaty 6 territory, and we want to acknowledge and recognize our connection with the First peoples of this land; and

WHEREAS; we recognize that we are all treaty people and that we all have rights and responsibilities with respect to Treaty 6; and

WHEREAS; we recognize the signing of Treaty 6 was perceived by First Nations as an agreement on how to live harmoniously with settlers, whereas settlers viewed it as a transfer of land entitlement, resulting in contrasting views that are important for us to acknowledge so we can make progress on the journey towards reconciliation; and

WHEREAS; Indigenous peoples of Treaty 6 played a significant role in Stony Plain’s founding and growth, have celebrated many achievements, and continue to make ongoing contributions to our community; and

WHEREAS; we commit to learn together, move forward more collaboratively, build stronger relationships, and address opportunities and concerns as a community; and

WHEREAS; we wish to express our honour and respect for the ongoing efforts towards peaceful coexistence and shared community.

THEREFORE, I, Mayor William Choy of the Town of Stony Plain, do hereby proclaim August 23, 2023 as Treaty 6 Territory Acknowledgement and Recognition Day.

Dated this August 23, 2023.

Mayor William Choy
Town of Stony Plain