Commemorating 154 Years of Treaty No. 1

Last Thursday, the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) proudly joined Treaty One Nation and Parks Canada in commemorating the 154th anniversary of the signing of Treaty No. 1 at Lower Fort Garry, the very site where the original agreement was signed in 1871. 

The day brought together leaders and community members from Treaty One Territory and beyond to reflect on the history and enduring legacy of the first of the numbered treaties. Throughout the day cultural programming, interpretive displays, the sharing of cedar tea, and remarks from Elders were provided; further highlighting the living traditions of the Anishinaabe and Cree Nations who have called these lands home for a millennia. 

ICC staff attended as representatives of contemporary Indigenous economic leadership, a tangible expression of the treaty’s vision for shared opportunity and lasting relationships. Our presence reaffirmed our commitment to advancing Indigenous prosperity while honouring the foundational agreements that make this work possible. 

Treaty No. 1’s significance cannot be ignored, as it marks the first formal agreement between the Crown and the First Nations in the prairies. Moreover, the treaty continues to carry deep legal, social, and moral relevance as it shapes how we understand land, governance, and reconciliation in Manitoba.

While the treaty was intended to build a nation-to-nation relationship grounded in trust and partnership, many of its promises remain unfulfilled. It is for this reason that we must reflect on its historical importance as it serves both as a reminder and a guide for the work ahead. 

By partaking in this annual gathering, the ICC honours not only the past but also the future. We remain committed to advancing Indigenous economic self-determination, grounded in the principles of Treaty No. 1 and the shared prosperity it envisioned.