About Us

Treaty Commissioner
Dennis White Bird

Message from the Treaty Commissioner
Biography of the Treaty Relations Commissioner

The Treaty Relations Commission

What is the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba?

The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba is a neutral body created through a partnership between the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Canada with a mandate to strengthen, rebuild and enhance the Treaty relationship with mutual respect between First Nations and Manitobans.

The TRCM will enhance and maintain positive intergovernmental relations and cooperation, conduct independent research that advances discussion on Treaty related issues, and facilitate public understanding of the importance and role of Treaty making in building a stronger and healthier nation.

Mandate:

The Commission has received a five year mandate and will function to:

  1. Engage in public education to improve the understanding of the Treaty; relationship and Treaty related issues;
  2. Provide facilitation service for discussing Treaty issues; and,
  3. Conduct independent research.

Principles:

The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba is guided by the following principles:

  1. Treaties are a fundamental part of the relationship between First Nations Treaty signatories and the Crown;
  2. The involvement of individual First Nation Elders is fundamental to the understanding of Treaty relationships;
  3. Respect for Treaty and inherent rights is an important part of maintaining the honour of the Crown in its relations with First Nations;
  4. Recognition that the Treaty relationship is dynamic and will evolve over time;
  5. The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba shall be based on mutual repsect, operating at arms length from the parties as a neutral body;
  6. Recognition that the Treaty relationship requires all parties to share information and participate fully in the process.

TRCM Accountability Framework

The following organizational chart reflects the current Accountibility Framework of the TRCM:

TRCM Organizational Chart

Within this structure, the Grand Chief of the AMC and the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs have overall responsiblity for the work of the Treaty Commissioner.

The TRCM is also accountable to:

  • A Joint Official Steering Committee (JSOC) comprised of two senior executives from both INAC and AMC.
  • A Technical Working Group (TWG) comprised of members from INAC, AMC and the TRCM.

It is important to note that while the MOA creating the TRCM idenfities an Operational Management Committee (OMC) as part of the originating Accountability Framework; it was agreed by all parties that the roles and responsibilities of the OMC be incorporated into the overall roles and responsibilities of the JSOC. Amendments reflecting this decision were made effective March 31, 2007.

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