Riders and runners have set out on a four-day journey from James Smith Cree Nation to Fort Carlton, retracing a historic route to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6.
The event—which spans roughly 180 kilometers across traditional territories—brings together youth, elders, and neighboring First Nations to honor historical events, promote healing, and raise awareness about the Treaty relationship. Each day of the journey begins with a sacred pipe ceremony.
Chakastaypasin Chief Calvin Sanderson emphasized that the journey is a way to express gratitude to the ancestors who signed Treaty 6 in 1876.
“This is a one-time thing that we should do… thanking our forefathers for signing the treaties in Fort Carlton,” Sanderson said. “It’s very unique. We had a lot of members come participate in the pipe ceremony this morning… and riders from outside bringing their horses for us.”
Beyond marking the 150-year milestone, Sanderson noted that the unity ride plays a vital role in healing and restoring cultural strength within the community following years of hardship.
“We’ve been going through so much in the past few years… trying to bring the resilience back to our community members,” Sanderson shared. “I’m just amazed how young these young people are helping us get to where we’re at today and the next few days.”
The journey follows the same trails traveled by First Nations ancestors who met at Fort Carlton a century and a half ago. As the riders trek through the territory, they will be joined by neighboring communities, including Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation, for campfire storytelling and shared meals.
Sanderson extended an open invitation to neighboring non-First Nations communities as well to support or participate in the event.
“We’re open to our brothers and sisters, our non-First Nations, to come and help us ride,” Sanderson said. “We’ll look after them, make sure we feed them… we’re open to anybody coming to help us out.”