In August of 1876, Alexander Morris, the Treaty Commissioner, decided to negotiate Treaty #6. One square mile per family of five was to be the basis of the land allotment. The other elements of the treaty were to be similar to the previous treaties: farm equipment, tools, schools, uniforms and money. Morris expected an immediate acceptance and was surprised when the offer was not accepted right away. James McKay, a Cree speaker, suggested that Morris be patient and explained that many of the chiefs were ready to sign but needed to gain the support of the majority of the people.

The Treaty Commissioner and the chiefs reassembled and Morris demanded that the chiefs sign because, as Morris stated, he had other bands to deal with. Poundmaker responded in an angry tone. Poundmaker felt that if the people were to make such a drastic change in their lives, the people would need some more help in terms of food and clothing if the crops failed. Morris replied that he understood Pounmaker's request. He also realized, that Treaties need to be negotiated in order for the C.P.R. to be finished in order to keep B.C. in confederation. Morris added a few new items in terms of farm equipment and gave a sum of $1000.00 to each band for three years. He later made the statement that bands would be given rations in the event of crop failure. At this point Ahtakakoop and Mistawsis encouraged all headmen and chiefs to sign. Poundmaker did sign but only because the majority of the people wanted the document signed. Poundmaker was never really sure it was the best negotiated deal.