First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory and Canada sign Protocol Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation

OTTAWA, Dec. 7, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous peoples to renew the nation-to-nation relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.

The Government of Canada and First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory have achieved a key milestone toward renewed relationships by signing a Protocol Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation.

The Protocol Agreement will help guide the parties as they work together to explore new ways to strengthen their treaty relationship and advance reconciliation based on shared goals and community priorities.

Discussions under this jointly developed protocol will cover many topics, including treaty implementation, economic self-sufficiency, restoration of self-government and nation rebuilding. The goal is to work together in a spirit of mutual respect and co-operation to find shared and balanced solutions for the benefit of the communities and all Canadians.

The First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory that have come together to pursue these discussions with Canada are: Dauphin River First Nation, Ebb and Flow First Nation, Gambler First Nation, Lake Manitoba, Lake St. Martin, Little Saskatchewan, Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation, Pinaymootang First Nation, Skownan First Nation and Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve.

Quotes

"Today after 147 years, Treaty 2 and Canada are back at the table discussing the very important issues that we have. 'Immigration and Settlement' was the primary intent of the Treaty and now the real work begins to address our unfinished Treaty business. We are reclaiming our Rights and are in the process of rebuilding our nation. The people of Treaty 2 are establishing a contemporary government that will protect the land, water and resources in our territory.  With the Protocol in place, we will move forward to not only reclaim our right to be self-determining, but rebuild our nation, as it was meant to be 147 years ago."

Treaty 2 Territory Grand Chief Eugene Eastman,
Chief of the O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation

"This Protocol Agreement is an important step to strengthen our treaty relationships and advance our shared journey toward reconciliation with the First Nations. Through these discussions, we can move forward in a spirit of renewal and partnership to help close socio-economic gaps and support the First Nations' vision of greater self-determination and a better future for their communities."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Related Links
Treaty 2 Territory

Associated Links
Treaty No. 2
Exploring new ways of working together
Self-government

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

For more information, media may contact: Matthew Dillon-Leitch, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Crown - Indigenous Relations, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [e-mail]; Media Relations - Using Smoke Signals Technology: Anishinaabe Agowidiiwinan - Treaty 2 and First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory, Tel: [phone], Email: [e-mail], Web: www.treaty2.com/news