Treaty Days celebrate past and future

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Mutual understanding and co-operation were the running themes of Treaty Days 2001, which were held in urban centres and on reserves across the province in May and June. Through the ongoing work of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC), the profile and popularity of Treaty Days continue to rise. What were once merely mechanisms to dole out the meagre annuities dictated by current treaty agreements have now evolved into festivals of First Nations culture, where both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal attendees can learn about First Nations heritage and the importance and ongoing evolution of the treaties themselves.

The Saskatoon event, held on June 6 and 7 at Joe Duquette high school, was a prime example of this new focus. While tribal and government officials distributed the five dollar annuities, Aboriginal dancers and musicians entertained attendees with beautiful, intricate performances, and FSIN officials handed out information packages to educate interested parties on the dubious past and hopefully brighter future of the treaty governance process.

"May this special occasion encourage each of us to adopt the values that have been taught by the Elders for so very, very long: sharing, generosity, love and kindness," urged the Honourable Dr. Lynda Haverstock, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, in an impassioned speech to a large audience that included elementary students from many of the city's schools.

Judge David Arnot, the current Treaty Commissioner for Saskatchewan, also directed his comments toward these youth, challenging the new generation to become more informed on Aboriginal issues so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.

"There is a relationship that was created at the time the treaties were entered into," he said. "That relationship is going to be key to the future of Saskatchewan. Understanding that relationship is the task and the challenge that I give to you students today."

"We have not forgotten our past," reminded Earl Magnuson, FSIN's director of urban development. "We bring it forward today in many ways, through the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, through the FSIN and the endeavours we have to publicly educate not only urban people, but also our people on reserves, about treaties. It is important that we know about our treaties."

Education in and of itself will not solve the many contentious issues that remain between the nation's governments and Aboriginal peoples, but it is a necessary precursor and a positive step toward a more harmonious future.

"Certainly, we have many issues to resolve, there are many challenges to be faced," conceeded Haverstock. "The treaties between the Crown and the First Nations of this land are not stagnant agreements of the past, but serve as an ongoing commitment of all people of Canada to live in harmony with one another."

125 and counting

Forty-eight First Nations from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba will join together this summer to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6.

The treaty was signed Aug. 23, 1876 at Fort Carleton, and Sept. 3, 1876 at Fort Pitt.

The anniversary celebrations will be held in the Fort Carleton area from Aug. 20 to 26, and in the Fort Pitt area from Sept. 3 to 9, although events will be held throughout the Treaty 6 area.

Among the events being planned as part of the celebrations are the Assembly of First Nation's (AFN) National Treaty Conference, beginning on Aug. 22, and an international powwow hosted by Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation. Also planned are a traditional Elder's gathering, a women's conference, a youth empowerment conference, a residential school healing process gathering, and a golf tournament.

Treaty talks are also planned as part of the celebrations, covering topics such as the process of treaty governance and the treaty protection branch.

A re-enactment of the treaty igning is also being planned at both locations.

A number of dignitaries have been invited to take part in the celebrations, including AFN National Chief Matthew Coon Come, FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde, Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault, and Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

For more information about plans for the Treaty 6 anniversary celebrations, call Gary Arcand at 230-2497.