Piapot First Nation celebrates 150th anniversary of treaty signing

WATCH: To mark 150 years since Chief Piapot signed onto Treaty 4 territory, Piapot First Nation held a celebration and full day of activities.

A full day of events were held on Piapot First Nation to commemorate 150 years of signing onto Treaty 4 Territory.

Hundreds of nation members and visitors gathered at the nation’s powwow arbor for 12 hours of traditional and contemporary activities, with live concerts and fireworks planned to conclude the event.

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Piapot First Nation Chief Mark Fox said Chief Piapot left a significant impact which is still felt generations later.

“He didn’t want our way of life at risk. That’s what Chief Piapot didn’t want to lose. That’s what he fought for,” he said.

A number of belongings of Chief Piapot were on display thanks to a recent repatriation project done by the community.

Nadine Obey, the CEO of K&T IRS Consulting, said as part of the research project, many steps were taken to bring the items back to the community.

“To have his ceremonial items restored, it’s surreal to think our founding chief wore these items,” she said.

There are talks of a heritage centre being built to house the artifacts.