August 23, 2026
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It is an honour to be with you here in Treaty 6 territory, on the traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak, Nihithawak, Dene, Saulteaux and Nakoda nations.
As governor general of Canada, I offer my gratitude to you and to your ancestors for their stewardship of these territories over thousands of years.
Today, we commemorate the signing of Treaty number 6, here at Fort Carlton, 150 years ago.
As His Majesty the King’s representative in Canada, I recognize the significance of today’s event and its place in the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Treaty First Nations and the Crown.
A treaty is the enduring framework of a relationship rooted in mutual respect—a sacred and solemn agreement to be nurtured so that the peoples of this land could live in harmony and resolve disputes peacefully.
This Treaty recognized a shared relationship with the land, the waters and all living things. It sought to protect Indigenous ways of life across this vast territory.
And it was a promise to be upheld across generations.
Yet, history tells a different story.
Your ancestors were too often denied the justice, dignity and respect to which they were entitled.
Colonization gave rise to some of the darkest chapters in our shared history, including failures to uphold treaty commitments, and the profound harm caused by the residential school system.
Like many Canadians, I grew up largely unaware of this reality. Learning about it was both painful and deeply unsettling, challenging much of what we had been taught about our history.
Acknowledging these truths does not change the past. But it is an essential step on the path toward reconciliation.
My predecessor, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, reminded us that reconciliation is a shared responsibility and a lifelong commitment.
It begins with listening. And with empathy.
It requires sustained dialogue and concrete action from all Canadians.
It is a collective journey—one that I am committed to helping advance.
In this historic gathering place, people came together to lay the foundations for ongoing co-operation and partnership.
Despite the shortcomings of the past, we have an opportunity to rebuild that trust and ensure a future that is both harmonious and prosperous for our children and grandchildren.
We live in uncertain and challenging times.
More than ever, our collective well-being depends on the trust we place in one another.
Today marks our commitment to keeping that trust alive.
Thank you.