They're walking 150 years of Treaty 6 history
The thing about history, you see, is that it’s not some dusty old book in the Rutherford Library. It’s a living, breathing thing, especially here, on this land. And honestly though, when I heard about these students from the Lloydminster Public School Division — teenagers, mind you — retracing a 150-year-old river route to commemorate Treaty 6, well, it stuck with me. You can read about Treaty 6 in a textbook, sure, but to actually *walk* a fraction of that journey, along the very rivers that bore witness to those momentous signings? That's a different kind of education entirely. It’s what Flannery O’Connor called "the habit of being," and these kids are living it.
### A Journey Through Time
They're doing this in anticipation of the 150th anniversary in 2026, which, for those of us who appreciate a long institutional memory, is not that far off. This isn't just a hike; it’s a profound act of remembrance and reconciliation. Imagine pushing off from shore, the same way our ancestors — both Indigenous and settler — navigated these waterways. The Saskatchewan River system, the very lifeblood of this province, connecting communities from the foothills to the prairie.
* **Who:** Students from Lloydminster Public School Division. * **What:** Retracing a 150-year-old river route. * **Why:** To commemorate the upcoming 150th anniversary of Treaty 6. * **Significance:** A hands-on, deeply personal way to understand history and Indigenous-settler relations.
It reminds me of those quiet evenings down by the River Valley, looking out from the High Level Bridge as the lights come on, and you realize just how much history has flowed beneath that span. These young people are carrying forward a legacy, ensuring that the spirit of Treaty 6, with all its complexities and promises, isn't forgotten. It’s a real, tangible connection to the land and the agreements that shaped it. Edmonton doesn't need your approval. Never did.
Honestly though, if you want more of this kind of thoughtful perspective, my colleagues on the morning show dive into these stories with real depth. You can catch them live at mornings.live.