First official Treaty Commissioner visit to Athabasca Nations

July 02, 2025

The Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker, travelled to the Athabasca region in northern Saskatchewan as part of a community engagement trip organized by Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie and the Prince Albert Grand Council. This trip represents the first in-person visit of the Treaty Commissioner to these Athabasca communities.

In Fond Du Lac and Black Lake Denesuline Nations, Commissioner Walker was honoured to meet with leadership and communities.

The Commissioner provided updates on the OTC roles and responsibilities and discussed how the office can better support the Athabasca First Nations in their Treaty claims and Treaty education.

“Meeting and talking with the leadership and citizens makes you more aware of the strengths of the Athabasca Dene nations, but also of the challenges they face.”

The Commissioner travelled with a group of directors from PAGC, the First Nations Health Ombudsperson Office, PADC, Northern Lights CDC, Athabasca Basin Developments and Associated Engineering and were welcomed with great warmth and hospitality that included a fish fry, tea, and great fishing.

The meetings took place over two days and as updates were provided, a number of Treaty issues specific to the north, were raised, which the OTC will be following up on.

NT4