City and Treaty 8 Tribal Association Unite for Documentary

The City of Fort St. John and the Treaty 8 Tribal Association are proud to announce their collaboration on a significant new project, a documentary titled “The Spirit of Treaty 8.”

This joint initiative will commemorate the 125th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 8, one of the most extensive and comprehensive of the historic Numbered Treaties. Treaty 8 was signed on June 21, 1899, by representatives of the Crown and various First Nations of the Lesser Slave Lake area. It covers approximately 840,000 square kilometres across northeastern British Columbia, northern Alberta, northwestern Saskatchewan, and the southwestern Northwest Territories.

The documentary explores Treaty 8's history, significance, and lasting impacts. The Spirit of Treaty 8 will be a 40-minute documentary that captures stories, cultural events, and interviews from key First Nations and community leaders across the Treaty 8 Territory. This project has been made possible thanks to funding through the Commemorate Canada Grant from Heritage Canada.

The Treaty 8 Tribal Association has led the documentary's direction, content, and scope, ensuring that Indigenous voices, perspectives, and cultural practices are at the heart of the storytelling. At the same time, the City of Fort St. John provides administrative support to the project. This partnership emphasizes the importance of Indigenous leadership in recounting the history of Treaty 8. It offers an educational opportunity for all Canadians to learn about this important chapter of shared history.

“We are excited to share the story of Treaty 8 with this opportunity to showcase the continuing culture and long history of the Treaty 8 Territory,” said West Moberly First Nations Chief Roland Willson.

"The City of Fort St. John is honoured to collaborate with the Treaty 8 Tribal Association on this meaningful project, highlighting the legacy and significance of Treaty 8. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to all Canadians connecting with this vital story," shared City of Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen.

The project, started last year, will span a two-year period, allowing filmmakers to capture a wide range of cultural events and gatherings. Interviews and filming will occur in four key geographic locations across the Treaty 8 Territory. In addition to the documentary, screening events are planned across the Treaty 8 Territory, and the film will be made available digitally for wider access across Canada.

The Spirit of Treaty 8 will be produced by InnoNative, an Indigenous-owned video production company founded by Haida Director Patrick Shannon. InnoNative has a strong track record of producing authentic, inspiring projects.

For more information about the project, visit www.spiritoftreaty8.com.

About Treaty 8:

On June 21, 1899, the eighth Treaty was signed between the First Nations of Northern Alberta, Northwestern Saskatchewan, the Southwest portion of the Northwest Territories, and the Queen of England.

Adhesions later followed it in the Northeastern portion of British Columbia. The true spirit and intent of this Treaty were based upon principles of law, respect, honesty and acceptance, as told by our Elders past.

Hailed as a Treaty of peace, coexistence, and sharing, its signing was witnessed by the Creator through the smoking of the pipe. The Treaty has a comprehensive framework that allows First Nations and newcomers to collectively uphold all the rights and privileges of Treaty No. 8. The Treaty promotes coexistence between peoples on the land base and the sharing of resources, both renewable and non-renewable.

Treaty No. 8, encompassing an approximately 840,000-kilometre landmass, is home to 39 First Nations communities, including 23 Alberta First Nations, 3 Saskatchewan First Nations, 6 Northwestern Territories First Nations, and 8 British Columbia First Nations.