This week is Treaties Recognition Week, as proclaimed by the Government of Saskatchewan. First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs Minister Don McMorris notes that when you are at an event or have your radio on and you hear a land acknowledgement, you are hearing that Saskatchewan is Treaty land.

A news release from the provincial government states that in 2022, Saskatchewan, in partnership with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, became the first jurisdiction in Canada to place official road signs marking the boundaries of Treaties 4 and 6 along Highway 11 near Bladworth. Then last year, three more sets of signed were installed on highways marking Treaties 2, 4 and six and more signs are planned for marking boundaries for Treaties 5, 6, 6A, 8 and 10.

The sign includes the phrase, “As long as the sun shines, grass grows and rivers flow,” which is an essential symbol of the spirit and intent of the Treaties.