Report on gathering released

Page 14

In one powerful voice, 115 Elders declared their grand vision of unity to protect the futures of their children and grandchildren. This vision is explained in a report released in October.

From Aug. 21 to 25 the Treaty 6, 7 and 8 Seventh Generation Elders' Gathering took place at Kapwe'no First Nation. Elders from Metis settlements and Treaty 8 areas in British Colombia and Saskatchewan also attended.

They discussed hunting, trapping, and fishing rights, welfare reforms and changes to social allowance, child welfare, education, culture and traditions, land claims, economic development, and the establishment of an organizational body.

The dominant issue expressed by the Elders was the establishing of an organizational body that would work with First Nation political leaders in protecting treaty rights and addressing First Nations' views.

The Elders recommended the creation of such a body as an Elders' council or senate to provide a strong vision supported by their knowledge of the past.

Representatives from First Nations, the Metis, Aboriginal organizations, and provincial and federal governments were guest speakers. They gave informative presentations that supported the Elders by providing supplementary information on issues the Elders raised.

Presentations were interpreted on a one-on-one basis for Elders who did not speak or understand English. The Elders were also provided with resource materials from various organizations to give them a more comprehensive understanding of some topics.

The Elders shared their vision with the Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta, Frank Halcrow; Chief of Sucker Creek First Nation, Alvin Cardinal; MLA for Lesser Slave Lake and Associate Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Pearl Calahasen; and the Alberta regional representative of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Fred Jobin.

In closing discussions the Elders committed to continue working with chiefs and band councils toward the establishment of an organizational body and to take part in further meetings.

The Elders that gathered are the seventh generation of those who took part in the signing of the treaties, and the purpose of their discussions during the event was to provide a secure future for the next seven generations.

Financial assistance for the gathering was provided by Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and Treaty 8 First Nations.