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By Nigel Maxwell

International relationships

Treaty 6 Leaders discuss ‘historic’ meeting with His Majesty, King Charles III

Mar 12, 2026 | 6:40 PM

For the first time since meeting with His Majesty, King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, leaders from Treaty 6 First Nations are speaking publicly about the experience they are describing as a significant moment in the ongoing Treaty relationship between Treaty 6 First Nations and the Crown.

According to a statement issued Thursday night by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), the private meeting was brief, but meaningful, particularly given the historic significance of the Crown meeting with First Nations of Treaty 6 the year of the 150th anniversary of the signing of that Treaty.

“It was an honour to be the first invited into the room to lead the delegation into the audience. It’s gratifying to know that the first invitation we sent from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation led to the moment where we could have an audience means something,” said Chief Larry Ahenakew.

The delegation of seven Treaty 6 leaders travelled to London to personally deliver a formal invitation to His Majesty to attend the 150th Commemoration of Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton from August 20 to 23, 2026.

“The visit was quite positive. The King was welcoming and was engaged, asking questions about what is happening on First Nations and how Treaties are being implemented and honoured,” said Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Chief, Daryl Watson. “He is committed to upholding the honour of the Crown under Treaty.”

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The meeting was also an opportunity for Treaty 6 leadership to discuss important Treaty matters directly with the Crown, including hunting and fishing rights and the right to health care under the Treaty 6 Medicine Chest Clause.

“When Treaties were signed, they were intended to be renewed annually, reflecting the ongoing relationship between First Nations and the Crown. This meeting was an opportunity to reaffirm the sacred and irrevocable relationship between Treaty 6 First Nations and the Crown as one based on peace, friendship, and respect. Under Treaty, dialogue should continually happen with respect to ensuring mutual benefits,” said Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation Chief, Edwin Ananas.

“Each of us carried the message from our people — that Treaty will last as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows. What we do today must honour our children and the generations yet to come,” said Sturgeon Lake First Nation Chief, Christine Longjohn.

The visit included time at Canada House, where the leaders met with Canadian Deputy High Commissioner Robert Fry. The High Commission of Canada team was very supportive of the audience with the King and did everything in their ability to make sure the visit went smoothly.

The 51 First Nations signatories to Treaty 6 across Saskatchewan and Alberta have been invited to the 150th Commemoration. Invitations have also been extended to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Governor General Mary Simon, and other federal and provincial dignitaries.

“The sacred pipe was lifted to signify the sacred Treaties, our Treaties are international law, our Treaties protect our way of life on the land as long as the sun shines, grass grows, and rivers flow. We will continue to advocate for King Charles to attend 150th treaty 6 gathering at the fort Carlton location,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.

According to Thursday night’s statement from the FSIN, further details regarding the Treaty 6 150th Commemoration will be shared in the coming months.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell