Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Treaty No. 6

Alexis Treaty Time Line

Tanin (in the past), according to oral history, Mitaushin (Grandfather) Aran nazhi (Stands on top or Stands on top of the Earth, also known as Nabe gduzahan - Cut off hand), had ceremony before travelling to Wocodaaki (the place with lots of houses and people, aka Fort Edmonton) to sign the Adhesion to Treaty. (Alexis, 2019) At that time, Mitaushin Aran nazhi sang a song to remind the people, that the life as they know it is changing; and there is a new way of life upon us…at the edge of the reserve. (Potts, 2019) Mitaushin Aran nazhi’s descendants remember this ceremony and continue to maintain his bundle, and the songs. (Alexis, 2019)

August 21, 1877 Adhesion to Treaty No. 6

Summer of 1880 Surveying of Alexis Reserve

Alexis Reserve (No. 133) was surveyed in 1880 by Mitaushin Joseph (Pwatt) Potts' nephew.

Alexis families take reserve on the shores of the sacred lake Wakamne.

Alexis families continue practicing their traditional way of life. They maintain strong ties to their hunting territories in Whitecourt, Cynthia and along the Foothills by spending the trapping season on the land and working in logging camps until the 1950's and 60's.

March 23, 1995 Signing of Alexis Treaty Land Entitlement

Alexis People approve TLE and the establishment of Alexis' Whitecourt (No. 232), Elk River (No. 233) and Cardinal River (No. 234) reserves.

August 21, 2017 Alexis Treaty Ceremony (140th Year Commemoration and Community Celebration)

The Alexis People gather to commemorate Treaty. Alexis Chief and Council honour 15 Chiefs and 79 Band Councillors (Headmen/Women) for serving the People of Alexis since the signing of the Adhesion of Treaty No. 6. The following message, from Hûgkebi Tony Alexis, highlights the importance of remembering Treaty:

“Since time immemorial, our ancestors have echoed a sacred prayer that they saw us, their descendants, living in peace; they saw us working together in harmony for the betterment of our nation. As a Chief, I believe in their prayers and vision and hope that today’s ceremony will allow us to reflect on what it means to be Treaty and to recognize past and present leaders so that we can move forward and start building more leaders and preparing the next generation to carry this bundle, sacred prayer and vision forward."

"In the past one hundred years, we’ve evolved to understanding the ways of mainstream society. We are on the verge of mastering the institutions and advancing in academics, law, businesses, commerce, technology, science, trades, sports, and yet at the same time we are maintaining our culture and keeping our language and customs alive. We know good stories about Mitaushin Nabe gduzahan (Aran nazhi), and all the leaders throughout time. Through their stories, we know that they were good leaders and were disciplined because they stayed with their people and they led with courage. These leaders experienced the most transition; they were the first to deal with Indian Act legislation. Assimilation. Through all of that, they moved forward. Like them, we too will move forward. Today is about embracing our history and honouring our leaders. I feel inspired and believe that all of the leaders contributed something good no matter how long or short they stood for the people."

"Let us all give thanks to the Creator for his goodness and allowing us to commemorate our Treaty and our leadership. We know who we are as a people, we are here living for God, for one another and we will work hard to help contribute in a good way. We know that when we live right and just, we honour the Creator and exist in his grace. At this time in history, we all need his grace.”

Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Leadership / Treaty Ceremony on June 25, 2018