Hundreds of Indigenous leaders are in Cochrane Tuesday through Thursday for the annual National Treaties 1-11 Conference and Cree Fest 2017.

It’s described as a “unique blend of political and legal discussion around understanding the treaties that form the foundation of indigenous affairs, while opening the door to the cultural wonder of aboriginal celebration.”

Cochrane and the Taykwa Tagamou First Nation are co-hosting the event.

Taykwa Tagamou is where one of the signing ceremonies was held for the James Bay Treaty – Treaty No. 9 on August 21, 1905.

Cochrane Mayor Peter Politis states in a release that he couldn’t be happier or proud for the opportunity to play host. Politis, who has a background in aboriginal affairs, says a conference of this size provides a tremendous opportunity for the town to take its place as a regional hub.

“What a great opportunity for anyone to gain a better understanding of aboriginal treaties and the context by which they affect everyone. What a great opportunity for indigenous and non-indigenous leaders to gather and work on the evolution of indigenous affairs,” he says, “But the greatest opportunity, is for northerners themselves to gather and celebrate friendship in the spirit of the Cree! We want to wish everyone the best.”

Among those in attendance this week will be the Minister of Indigenous Affairs at both the provincial (David Zimmer) and national (Carolyn Bennett) level.

Bennett is there just a day after a cabinet shuffle by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saw the splitting of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada to two departments.

Bennett will “concentrate on Crown issues and nation building with Indigenous peoples,” while Jane Philpott takes on Indigenous services.

Speaking of Trudeau, an invitation was sent to him, but no word on if he will attend.

Others that will be there include National Chief Perry Bellegarde, National Treaties Spokesperson Eric Tootootsis, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou MP Romeo Saganash (NDP), Nishnabe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon.

A showing of the National Film Board of Canada’s, “Trick or Treaties – a fight for justice” a film by Alanis Obomsawin, will also form part of the action packed agenda.

Solomon says he welcomes his brothers and sisters from across Canada.

“As respected Senator Sol Sanderson from Treaty 6 says: ‘Treaties did not make Nations, Nations made the Treaty’,” he states in a release, “We believe we are the third order of government of this country. We are not stakeholders nor an interest group. We are not the wards of the government. We are sovereign, and have the inherent right to be recognized and respected as a government.”

“Taykwa Tagamou Nation looks forward to welcoming the Prime Minister and members of all Treaty Nations to this historic gathering,” added Dwight Sutherland, Taykwa Tagamou Nation Chief, “When we entered into Treaty with the Crown, as represented by the Government of Canada, we agreed to share our traditional territory, based on our true understanding of the spirit and intent of Treaty No. 9, but we have retained title over our traditional territories by exercising our traditional laws and jurisdiction.”

He goes on to say they have a sacred trust to protect their homelands for future generations, and their treaty rights supersede any federal or provincial legislated enacted without their “free, prior and informed consent.”

“We will protect these custodial rights and stand in solidarity with all First Nations who assert their rights and jurisdiction.”

Solomon says at this point, they are now “beyond handshakes and photo ops” when it comes to moving ahead with oral promises made at the time of Treaty signing.

“Rhetoric will not get us any further ahead than we have been for the last 150 years,” he said, “For decades, we have been talking and it’s time now to implement our Treaties under their spirit and intent, it’s time move us out of the third world conditions, and it’s time to see noticeable changes on the ground in our communities.”

“The Nations of Treaties 1-11 also need to prosper from the riches from our land we agreed to share.”

For more information: www.nan.on.ca/treatiesgathering

Creefest 2017 Schedule 2

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