150th Anniversary of Treaty 6 Commemoration: New Single Cinematic Single “1876”

As communities across Saskatchewan and Alberta prepare to gather this August in recognition of the Treaty as an acknowledgement of Indigenous resilience, self-governance, and enduring culture, vocalist and songwriter, Michelle Joly, along with Peter Cameron have given voice to that story through their powerful new single, “1876,” released Friday, July 31, 2026.

The lyrics were written by Laurie Shaw-Greyeyes of Gen7Path, an organization that empowers Indigenous communities by restoring knowledge, culture, and identity through using songs as medicine, in addition to storytelling, education, and meaningful partnerships designed to inspire healing, truth, and reconciliation with future generations.

The track recognizes the strength of Indigenous communities who have protected their languages, cultures, teachings, and traditions despite adversity, while inviting listeners to better understand the living agreements that continue to connect us today.

In partnership with the Downie Wenjack Foundation, the song will be used by the organization to promote the message of Treaty 6 across Canada in the lead-up to the event.

“1876” will be performed live at the Treaty 6 150th Recognition Event between August 20 – August 23, 2026, at Fort Carlton Provincial Historic Park, the very place where Treaty 6 was first negotiated and signed in 1876.

The once-in-a-generation gathering will welcome thousands of First Nations citizens, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists, youth, leaders, and visitors for four days of performances, cultural programming, treaty education, historic interpretation, and dialogue, all at the site where the Treaty was first negotiated.

About “1876”:

Built around soaring melodies and the joyful sound of traditional Métis fiddle, “1876” is an informative, historical song that tells the story of Treaty 6 through the lens of resilience rather than loss.

Acknowledging the complex history that followed the Treaty’s signing, the song looks forward and celebrates the strength, culture, and the enduring relationships that continue to define Treaty Peoples today. Written in the spirit of the Cree concept of Wahkohtowin, a principle centred on kinship, respect, and the responsibilities we hold to one another, Laurie Shaw-Greyeyes penned the lyrics with the idea that songs can serve as medicine, and with the goal that listeners can recognize treaties as living agreements that continue to shape Canada today.

Using one of the defining sounds of Métis culture, fiddle, the instrument has long accompanied celebrations, dances, gatherings, and storytelling throughout Indigenous communities. Beyond a simple instrument, it represents cultural survival, joy, and continuity across generations. In a remarkable personal connection, the fiddler featured on 1876 knew Michelle Joly’s great-uncle, himself a respected Métis fiddler, creating an unexpected bridge between family history and the present day.

Through rich harmonies, traditional influences, and cinematic production, “1876” encourages listeners to recognize that reconciliation begins with listening, learning, and acknowledging the stories that have always been here. Rather than dwelling on past hardships, the song celebrates Indigenous identity, language, culture, and the resilience that continues to flourish today.

It is a song rooted in hope, healing, and the belief that music can educate, unite, and help build stronger relationships for generations to come.

Quote: “We believe that songs are medicine. Music has the power to preserve truth, inspire healing, and bring people together across generations. Through 1876, we honour the promises of Treaty 6, the resilience of Indigenous Peoples, and the shared journey toward understanding and reconciliation. – Michelle Joly and Laurie Shaw-Greyeyes

Michelle Joly Biography

Michelle Joly is a Métis vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose evocative blend of folk, jazz, soul, and roots music has made her a standout voice in the Canadian music landscape. Born and raised in St. Paul, Alberta, she has spent over two decades cultivating a career defined by her versatility, working as an artist, entertainer, producer, and respected music educator. Her catalogue of self-released albums showcases her unmistakable melodic instincts, dynamic range, and deeply expressive vocal style.

A celebrated performer on the global stage, Joly spent more than twenty years travelling the world as a featured soloist across several major cruise lines, served as the featured soloist of the Vancouver Outreach Sweet Soul Gospel Choir, led by renowned artist Chico (Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie), and opened for Dr. Maya Angelou along with numerous other luminaries. Joly’s vocal talents were once again spotlighted when she performed backup vocals for Daniel Caesar at the JUNO Awards.

In 2025, she opened the Back to Batoche Festival, one of Canada’s largest Indigenous festivals, and headlined the Wanuskewin Truth and Reconciliation Festival in Saskatchewan, where she appeared on Global News, and earned her national recognition when her track “Cover Me” was selected as the theme song for the award-winning Prime Video film Dil Rahk: Gloves of Kin.

Most recently, Joly became an Ambassador for the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, deepening her commitment to fostering connection, understanding, and healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through music and education. Guided by authenticity and unpretentious honesty, Michelle Joly continues to inspire audiences with a body of work rooted in storytelling, cultural connection, and a profound dedication to her craft.

by Bad Parade - Music and Entertainment Publicity

150th Anniversary of Treaty 6 Commemoration: New Single Cinematic Single “1876”

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