Saskatchewan became the first Canadian province to mark a treaty boundary along a provincial highway, with the installation of Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 signage near Highway 11. Photo courtesy Government of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan became the first Canadian province to mark a treaty boundary along a provincial highway, with the installation of Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 signage near Highway 11.
After an Indigenous ceremony and protocols, provincial crews placed the two 1.5 m (5 ft) high by 3.6 m (12 ft) wide signs along the highway near Bladworth. Motorists travelling north will see the Treaty 6 sign, while motorists travelling south will see the Treaty 4 sign.
Each new sign includes an image of a treaty medal, a welcome in the respective Indigenous language of the treaty area, as well as the wording of the original treaties, to indicate they remain valid “as long as the sun shines, grass grows, and rivers flow.”
“It is common sense to acknowledge the treaty boundaries by the province and by the federal government,” says treaty commissioner Mary Culbertson. “This first sign acknowledging the Treaty 4 and 6 boundary is paid for by the province. It is going to spark dialogue and lead to policy changes.
“These treaties were here before this province was created—before these roads were here. We will work with our Elders and the knowledge keepers advisory council to ensure other treaty boundaries that cross provincial highways will be marked with signs in the coming years.”
