It has been recognized that the Beaver people are the traditional inhabitants of the Grande Prairie area. It was not until the 1760’s that the Cree people moved westward into Beaver territory to expand their ventures in the fur trade.

The City of Grande Prairie, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, is committed to fostering positive relationships within the community. Through event planning, implementing guiding documents, and engaging community members, the City of Grande sees a bright future in advancing Truth and Reconciliation.

Truth and Reconciliation is important to Grande Prairie because leadership recognizes they are on Treaty 8 territory in Turtle Island. Treaty 8 was signed on June 21^st, 1899, between the Crown and approximately 8 diverse First Nations who are known as the Cree, Athapaskans, Dené, Chipewyan, Beaver, Slaveys, Dogribs and Yellowknives. Treaty 8 is a territory that is approximately 841,487.137 km2. When it was initially signed, it comprised the North-West Territories and British Columbia. Today, Treaty 8 territory reaches Northwest Territories southeast of the Great Slake Lake, northern Alberta, northeast Saskatchewan and northwest British Columbia. Local Indigenous communities that took part in signing Treaties with the Crown are Duncan’s First Nation, Horse Lake First Nation (formerly, Beaver Indian Band) and Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation; these three Nations make up the Western Cree Tribal Council. The Treaty was not intended as a surrender by the Indigenous people but an agreement to share and govern Canada as a partnership between nations equally.