Treaty Days & Annuity Payments in Alberta — What They Are
Treaty days are more than the $5 — they're a living reminder of the nation-to-nation promises made under Treaties 6, 7 and 8. What annuity payments are, who can collect, and how treaty days are celebrated.
What treaty annuity payments are
Under Treaties 6 (1876), 7 (1877) and 8 (1899) — the numbered treaties covering what's now Alberta — the Crown committed to annual payments to treaty members, among many other promises. That annuity is still paid today: $5 per year to each eligible registered member of a treaty First Nation.
Nobody pretends $5 is about the money anymore. Collecting it is an act of affirming the treaty relationship — a yearly, in-person renewal of promises between nations that never expired. Many families bring their kids to collect for exactly that reason: so the next generation grows up knowing the treaties are alive.
Payments are made by Indigenous Services Canada, historically in cash at treaty day events. You can also collect missed years — arrears accumulate, and ISC can pay out several years of uncollected annuities at once.
How treaty days are celebrated
Most nations hold treaty days in summer, often paired with community celebrations: feasts, hand games, races, rodeos, dances and family events that run alongside the payment tables. In many communities it doubles as a homecoming weekend, when members living in the city come back to visit.
Each nation sets its own schedule, and ISC publishes annual treaty payment event lists. Your band office is the best source for this year's dates — and if you miss your own nation's treaty day, you can often collect at another payment event or through ISC directly.
What to bring to collect
Bring your status card (or other proof of registration) for yourself and any children you're collecting for. Parents and guardians can collect on behalf of children under 18. If your card is expired, other government ID alongside your registration number usually works — the payment teams deal with this all the time, and an expired card doesn't mean lost rights.
Treaty day quick facts
- Treaties 6, 7 and 8 cover the First Nations of what's now Alberta
- Annuity is $5 per eligible member, every year, paid by ISC
- Missed years accumulate — arrears can be collected later
- Parents can collect for children under 18
- Bring your status card or proof of registration
- Band offices post each year's treaty day dates and events
Common questions
Treaty days & annuity payments
Who can collect a treaty annuity payment?
Registered members of First Nations that signed a treaty with annuity provisions — in Alberta, that's the nations of Treaties 6, 7 and 8. Check with your band office if you're unsure whether your registration qualifies.
What if I've never collected — are my old payments gone?
No. Uncollected annuities accumulate as arrears, and Indigenous Services Canada can pay out the missed years. Ask at a treaty payment event or contact ISC.
When are treaty days in my community?
Each nation sets its own dates, usually in summer. Your band office and its social media pages will have this year's schedule, and ISC publishes a list of annuity payment events.
Can I collect at a different nation's treaty day?
Sometimes — it depends on the payment team and the rules that apply to your registration. It's smoothest at your own nation's event; if you need to collect elsewhere, contact Indigenous Services Canada or your band office first to confirm.
Does collecting my annuity affect my benefits or taxes?
Treaty annuity payments are a treaty right, and collecting them generally isn't treated like everyday income — but for anything involving your taxes or benefits, check with the CRA, a tax professional, or your band's social development office for your specific situation.
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