AMC along with Treaty 2 First Nations celebrates the commencement of events marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty No. 2
August 10, 2021
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – August 21st marks the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty No. 2. To honour all Treaty 2 First Nations and commemorate this important day in the history of this country, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues this statement to recognize the beginning of a series of events that will commemorate and celebrate this historic event in the history of the relationship between First Nations and Canada.
Grand Chief Arlen Dumas stated, “I am honoured to provide this statement on behalf of the Assembly and all First Nations leadership in Manitoba to the Treaty 2 First Nations and their representative organizations in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the signing of their sacred agreement with the British Crown. There will be many events coordinated over the next two weeks, beginning with today’s special event in Pinaymootang Anishinaabe First Nation, leading up to the commemoration of the official signing date of August 21, 1871. I encourage all Manitobans to support these celebrations and the Treaty that benefits us all.”
Grand Chief Arlen Dumas added, “On behalf of the AMC I congratulate the Treaty 2 Office, all Chiefs, Council members and all citizens of Treaty No. 2:
- Dauphin River First Nation
- Ebb and Flow First Nation
- Keeseekoowenin First Nation
- Lake St. Martin First Nation
- Lake Manitoba First Nation
- Little Saskatchewan First Nation
- O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation
- Gambler First Nation
- Tootinaowaziibeeng First Nation
- Pinaymootang Anishinaabe First Nation; and
- Skownan First Nation.”
“Respectfully, I will take the opportunity to reiterate my remarks from the 150th anniversary of Treaty No. 1, where I reminded elected officials, dignitaries and all in attendance that 2021 not only marks the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty No. 1, it is also the 150th anniversary of the signing of the equally important Treaty No. 2. I urged elected officials to do more than pay lip service to our sacred agreements, and I sought firm commitments from federal Minister Carolyn Bennett, via Minister Marc Miller who represented the government of Canada at the event at lower Fort Garry, to honour the Treaties in Manitoba for the benefit and prosperity of First Nations and all Manitobans as envisioned and as understood by the ancestors.”
“I commended Minister Miller for his efforts and commitments since his appointment as ISC Minister in 2019,” continued Grand Chief Dumas. “However, I noted the absence of Minister Bennett at the August 3rd festivities was concerning given she as Minister of Crown-indigenous Relations is responsible for overseeing the Treaties and other constructive agreements between First Nations and Canada.”
Grand Chief Dumas concluded “On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty No. 2, I call on the federal government to provide fulsome and meaningful representation on the August 21 anniversary to advance reconciliation with the Treaty 2 First Nations. Furthermore, I call for more concerted efforts by the provincial government to engage and meaningfully consult with the Treaty 2 First Nations on the critical infrastructure projects, including the Lake Manitoba – Lake St. Martin outlet channel project, taking place on their ancestral lands. Full First Nations’ participation and meaningful consultation on critical infrastructure by the government of Manitoba will help to honour the Treaties and make the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty No. 2 a more meaningful event.”
“I say Meegwich to the Treaty 2 First Nations for the invitation to participate in your celebrations and for the opportunity to advocate on your behalf – Kitchi Meegwich.”