Honouring 150 Years of Treaty 4: A Path to Reconciliation
Image from treaty4gathering.ca
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 4, a significant milestone in Canadian history that continues to impact both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Treaty 4, signed in 1874, covers parts of present-day southern Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta. This agreement, like others in the numbered treaties, was meant to ensure peace and mutual prosperity, yet its full promise has yet to be realized.
Treaty 4 stands as a reminder of the ongoing responsibility we have to honour the relationship it established. As we reflect on its 150th anniversary, we are called to understand that this relationship goes beyond historical documents—it is about living in a way that respects the values, cultures, and rights of all peoples who share this land.
OneHoop's Statement on Treaty 4
"As Canadians and Indigenous Peoples, we all share this beautiful land. The history we inherited together is a situation in which we all must strategically work towards reconciliation. At Treaty Four discussions 150 years ago, there was an effort made by Indigenous ancestors to honour, enhance, and restore the well-being of Indigenous peoples, while retaining a distinctiveness. Today we must all understand we live in two world views; a Canadian World View and an Indigenous World View. Both world views have many good values to help us all grow and remain distinct. The Treaty relationship is the covenant we all have a responsibility to ensure is implemented and respected. Truth and Reconciliation is the driver to lift the Treaty Relationship to where it should have been since the beginning 150 years ago. One day our children's children will thank us for making it normal to live a Treaty relationship, and it begins with us understanding the Truth. OneHoop is here at the 150th celebration of Treaty Four to help our country be consistent with our ancestors' values, aspirations, ways of working and help our country learn from the past, correct the current, and motivate the future on behalf of all future generations."
– Cadmus Delorme, CEO & Founder of OneHoop
The Importance of Living the Treaty Relationship
Treaty 4, like many other treaties, represents a living agreement that should be respected and honoured not just in words, but in actions. Cadmus Delorme’s statement reminds us of the dual worldviews—Indigenous and Canadian—that shape our society. Both perspectives carry valuable teachings, and it is through understanding these that we can grow, reconcile, and move forward.
Reconciliation is not just about acknowledging past wrongs but about actively working toward a future where mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration are the norms. As Cadmus emphasizes, Truth and Reconciliation are the pathways through which we can restore the Treaty relationship to its rightful place—a relationship rooted in respect and a commitment to shared prosperity for all.
Moving Forward with Treaty 4
The 150th anniversary of Treaty 4 is a call to action for all of us. It is an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities we have inherited and to consider the ways in which we can work together to uphold the Treaty relationship. As Cadmus notes, the work begins with understanding the Truth and carrying forward the values, aspirations, and lessons from our ancestors. By doing so, we ensure that future generations will benefit from the progress we make today.
At OneHoop, we are committed to fostering this understanding and playing a role in helping Canada learn from the past, correct the present, and shape a better future.
As we honour 150 years of Treaty 4 at the Treaty 4 Gathering, we must all reflect on our individual and collective roles in advancing reconciliation. The Treaty relationship is one of shared responsibility, and it is through our continued efforts that we can ensure it thrives for future generations. The path forward requires understanding, respect, and a commitment to the values that bind us together.
Let us all work towards a future where our children’s children will thank us for making it normal to live a true Treaty relationship.