Celebrating 25 Years of Treaty Elders of Saskatchewan and Honouring Jacob Bill

March 6, 2025

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – The Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) launched a year of commemoration to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the book, Treaty Elders of Saskatchewan: Our Dream Is That Our Peoples Will One Day Be Clearly Recognized as Nations.

Published in 2000, Treaty Elders of Saskatchewan captures the voices and teachings of Elders from the five Treaty territories. The authors Harold Cardinal and Walter Hildebrandt conducted an extensive truth-gathering effort with the aim of gathering oral histories, traditions, and wisdom about the Treaties. This became an invaluable perspective on the historical and ongoing relationship between First Nations and Canada.

“For the past 25 years, the book has been a key resource for people working on Treaty-related issues, as it ensures that the fundamental teachings of the Treaties are preserved,” said Dr. Kathy Walker, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan.

“I have had people tell me, over and over again, how often they go back to the book for information, that their copies are marked up with post-its. Treaty Elders of Saskatchewan has played a very important role in the work of academics, lawyers, policy makers, and politicians.”

Jacob Bill, who was 76 when he was interviewed for the book, remains a living testament to the wisdom shared by the Elders. He turns 101 on Mar. 7.

“It is individuals like Jacob who help deepen our understanding of Treaty,” said Chief Bobby Cameron during the event.

Despite the comprehensiveness in setting out key doctrines for living in peace and harmony with all our relations, this book remains an outline, waiting to be lived and filled in with deeper understanding by Treaty Elders today and by each one of us.

See more on the event:
Treaty commission celebrates ‘Treaty Elders of Saskatchewan’
Office of the Treaty Commissioner celebrates 25th anniversary of Treaty Elders of Saskatchewan

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