Aug. 21 marked a special day in Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation as it commemorated the 146th anniversary of Alexis Nakota signing onto Treaty 6.

The commemoration event was held in the gymnasium of the newly built Chief Aranazhl School that overlooks Lac St. Anne.

During the commemoration, a pipe ceremony was held that featured the same pipe that was used 146 years ago. Chief Tony Alexis, along with many elders told stories about the signing that was passed down from generations, food was served, and a reenactment of the treaty signing was performed by some youth.

Chief Tony Alexis spoke with CFWE about the importance of the day and why Aug. 21 gets recognized every year, saying that, "it's good for us as a reminder, as Chief in council, but it's also a good reminder for the community of the people."

Chief Tony Alexis shares stories at the podium. Photo by Ryan Hunt.

"We're at a point today where First Nations across the country are starting to really reach out beyond just the reserve boarders. Looking at their traditional territory, exercising their treaty rights for hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, and sharing all of those beautiful pieces, those inherent rights that we had and we're sharing that as we go forward" Chief Alexis added on the importance of the treaty today.

The Chief also emphasized the importance of storytelling, as that's what most of the commemoration event featured.

"Sometimes, some of the stories change just a little bit between different families," he said. "But as we sit together like this, we can finetune what those stories are."

"Our goal from here is to take that into the schools and make this a part of the curriculum. It's a very important day today," Chief Alexis added.

A drum circle during the treaty commemoration. Photo by Ryan Hunt.

Listen to the full CFWE interview with Chief Tony Alexis below: