The Cree people historically inhabited a vast area that includes parts of Alberta, particularly in the north and central regions. Before Euro-Canadian colonization, the Cree lived in territories that extended across the boreal forests, which included parts of what is now northern Alberta, as well as regions into Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
During colonization, many Cree communities were significantly affected by the arrival of European settlers, which disrupted their traditional ways of life and led to various conflicts and negotiations. Despite these changes, many Cree groups maintained their presence in Alberta.
The Cree are part of several numbered treaties; in Alberta, they are primarily associated with Treaty 6. Treaty 6 was signed in 1876 and involved several Indigenous nations, including the Cree, and it covers a significant portion of central Alberta.
Understanding the historical context of the Cree in Alberta is important in recognizing their rights, culture, and the ongoing impact of colonization today.
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