FNFN Treaty 8 Centennial Commemoration

For countless generations, Tthekenneh kue, now known as “Old Fort” has been a gathering place for native and non-native people in north east British Columbia. Old Fort has important historical, cultural, and spiritual meaning for the Fort Nelson First Nation. It is the birth place and the resting place of many members of the Fort Nelson First Nation and it is here, 100 years ago, that the Fort Nelson First Nation signed onto Treaty 8 with Canada.

The 1910 treaty talks affirmed Fort Nelson First Nation’s rights to our traditional lands and ways of life. In exchange for the guarantee that we would be free to live our lives as formerly and undisturbed by newcomers, our ancestors agreed to share our lands and to live in peace with our new neighbours. It was understood that peace could only come if we were each left to travel our own path as we walked toward a common future. Many things have changed in 100 years, and at times the spirit of the treaty has been forgotten by our new neighbours, but our understanding of the treaty relationship remains, and will remain "as long as the sun shines, the river flows, and the grass grows".

Today the Fort Nelson First Nation upholds the spirit of the treaty by asserting our rights to our land and taking responsibility to ensure that future generations can live their lives in our lands in a way that honours our ancestors. Every year, Fort Nelson First Nation members gather to commemorate and pass on the spirit of the treaty to the younger generations. It has been many years since our treaty gathering has been held at Old Fort and we are proud to bring it home for the 100th year commemoration!

In the spirit of peace and sharing: Welcome Everyone!

Getting There

The FNFN Reserve is 5-10 minutes south of Fort Nelson, BC.

From town follow the Alaska Highway to Reserve Road. Take a left at Reserve Road.

At Neh Zoo take a left and follow the road around to Kenny-ah/Chalo Road intersection.

Go through the intersection.

Schedule of Events

Accommodations

Free on-site camping will be available for the duration of the event. If you require hotel accommodations, the Woodlands Inn is offering a corporate rate for June 12th-15th. They are expecting a full house, so early reservations are recommended. Contact the Woodlands Inn: (250) 774-6669, toll free: 1-866-966-3466 or http://www.woodlands.ca to make reservations. Be sure to mention that you are attending the FNFN Treaty Days to receive the discounted rate.

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