Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (June 24/02) - Since 1902, Dene on what is now the Hay River Reserve have lined up to each get a crisp, new $5 bill from the government of Canada.

Chief Pat Martel of the K'atlodeeche First Nation on the Hay River Reserve receives his treaty payment from Const. Jeff Myke of the RCMP. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

That was one of the terms of Treaty 8, signed by representatives of the Hay River Dene in 1900 in Fort Resolution.

On June 18, the K'atlodeeche First Nation (KFN) celebrated the 100th anniversary of Treaty 8 payments being made on what is now the Hay River Reserve.

And as they have for the past century, band members lined up to receive their $5 bills from a Mountie in red serge.

Raymond Sonfrere, a KFN councillor and acting executive director of the Dene Cultural Institute, said that, in 1900, Chief Sunrise and Headman Lamalise went to Fort Resolution to sign Treaty 8 on behalf of the Hay River Dene.

In 1902 a treaty party came to the Old Village, "and they had their first treaty payments here."

Chief Pat Martel said the 100th anniversary is an important day to remember the past and celebrate Dene culture, and to reflect on what the elders and past leaders have passed on to their people.

"It's something important to pass on to the younger generation," Martel added.

Martel also stressed that people must learn to live together and to respect one another.

One of the invited guests for the special day was Hay River Mayor Duncan McNeill, who echoed Martel's message of respect and living together in harmony.

"We want to be good neighbours," McNeill said.

"In my heart and mind, it's not just your celebration," the mayor added. "It's our celebration."

McNeill said he hopes to break down barriers between the reserve and the town, which are physically separated by the Hay River. "And we will truly be one community with just a little water running between."

Another special guest was Dene Nation Grand Chief Bill Erasmus, who said he was honoured to be present for the celebrations.

Erasmus said it is important for the government to honour what is written in treaties such as Treaty 8. "Those treaties are still valid."

The 100th anniversary was celebrated all of last week with events such as talent shows, a youth workshop, drumming, hand games and war canoe races.