The riverbank was a host to an expected 2,000 First Nations people lining up for a $5 bill on Friday.
It was part of Urban Treaty Day.
All registered First Nations people received $5 for this year and an addition $5 for any past years they missed.
Davy Coyle, supervisor for northern operations with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, said it is more of a celebration of First Nations culture and the treaties than just a day to get $5 annuity payment.
"It's a social gathering," he said.
It is something Emile Highway, grand chief of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association, agrees with.
Highway has been at Urban Treaty Day for the past eight years. He said the event reminds people of the treaties.
"A lot of people are aware of the word but don't know what it means," he said. "It reminds people that the treaties were signed earlier at the birth of the country."
He said he hears a lot of people joking about the $5 payment, but said the money is not why people show up.
"It's a good chance to meet people - to share a coffee with friends," he said.
Coyle said everyone has a story to tell who comes down to Urban Treaty Day.
He said there are many people who show up who are not even there to get their annuity.
"They come to enjoy the experience and share the culture," he said.
He said the high point of the day is lunch time. Anyone on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River was treated to a free lunch and some great entertainment.
He said the event gets better every year, and every year more and more people show up.
"It is an event that is necessary," Highway said. While he enjoys meeting with people, he believes it is important so people think of the treaties.
"I hope it keeps going," he said about the event.
Well, ex patriot, the time for newcomers to get their money has come and gone. Its a long story, but basically the first comers were given huge plots of land that ultimately became far greater in value, for those individuals, than all of every $5.00 given our way since the signing of the treaties and giving of the land your ancestors' way. So lose the sense of entitlement, your ancestors got theirs and you're presence here is you getting yours.