Treaty 8 and Fort St. John documentary to honour 125th anniversary of agreement’s signing

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John has announced a new documentary project with the Treaty 8 Tribal Association to commemorate a special milestone.

According to a press release on March 11th, “The Spirit of Treaty 8” will honour the 125th anniversary of the agreement’s signing.

Treaty 8 covers 840,000 square kilometres stretching from Saskatchewan to the Northwest Territories.

It was first signed in June 1899 by representatives of the Crown and members of the Lesser Slave Lake area in Alberta.

The statement said the film will be a “documentary explor[ing] Treaty 8’s history, significance and lasting impacts” with interviews from the First Nations community and leaders from around the region.

“We are excited to share the story of Treaty 8 with this opportunity to showcase the continuing culture and long history of the Treaty 8 territory,” said West Moberly First Nations Chief Roland Willson.

Filmmaking responsibilities have been led by the Treaty 8 association, including direction, content and scope, while the City of Fort St. John has provided administrative support.

Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen says the project is one which will “connect all Canadians” with the story of Treaty 8.

“The City of Fort St. John is honoured to collaborate with the Treaty 8 Tribal Association on this meaningful project, highlighting the legacy and significance of Treaty 8,” said Hansen.

The 40-minute documentary is expected to be completed later this year and screened in late 2025 or early 2026, with a digital release to follow.

Shooting of “The Spirit of Treaty 8” has taken place over a two-year period, and will be produced by InnoNative, directed by Patrick Shannon.

Shannon is a Haida director based on Haida Gwaii, an island north of Vancouver Island.  Funding for the film came through the Commemorate Canada fund by the Department of Canadian Heritage.