What is the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba?

The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba (TRCM) is a neutral body created through a partnership between the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) 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 three year extension on its mandate and will function to:

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

AMC Council of Elders

The AMC Council of Elders is fundamental to the work of the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba. The Elders are historians, teachers, spiritual caregivers, language experts, and advisors. With the input, support and guidance of the Elders the TRCM is able to address specific Treaty language and knowledge to ensure deeper understandings in the TRCM research initiatives such as: the Manitoba Treaties Oral History Project and the Historical Atlas of First Nations in Manitoba. In addition to the research initiatives the Council of Elders has advised in curriculum development, leadership forums, and participated as members of the TRCM Speakers' Bureau.

The current members of the AMC Council of Elders are:

  • Treaty No. 1 – Wayne Scott (Swan Lake)
  • Treaty No. 2 – Harry Bone (Keeseekoowenin)
  • Treaty No. 3 – Elmer Courchene (Sagkeeng First Nation)
  • Treaty No. 4 – James Cote (Waywayseecappo)
  • Treaty No. 5 – Elder William G. Lathlin (Opaskwayak)
  • Treaty No. 5 Adhesion – D'Arcy Linklater (Nisichawayasihk)
  • Treaty No. 6 – Vacant
  • Treaty No. 10 – Elder Joe Hyslop (Northlands Denesuline)
  • Dakota Nations – Doris Pratt (Sioux Valley)
  

Commissioner James B. Wilson
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Treaty Relations Commission
of Manitoba:

Suite 400-175 Hargrave Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R8
Phone: (204) 777-1871
Toll-Free: 1-866-296-3228
Fax: (204) 777-1874

ELDERS' BIOGRAPHIES

Elder Wayne Scott (Naazhikigaabow from the Mashtadim Clan) is from Gaa-biskigamaag. Elder Scott has completed extensive research as a member of a dedicated team in Treaty Land Entitlement for his community that was successful in settling the outstanding TLE claim. This work allowed Elder Scott to continue his research and assist other First Nation bands in conducting independent research to file Comprehensive Land Claims. Elder Scott is interested in understanding legislation and policies as they relate and affect Treaty and Aboriginal rights.

Elder Harry Bone (Giizis-inini from the Mikinaak Clan) is from Giizhigoowining in Treaty 2 territory. Elder Bone is fluent in the Ojibway and English language. Currently, Elder Bone is doing research on the original Spirit and Intent of Treaty. Elder Bone is a member of the AMC/TRCM Elders Council and also a member of the TRCM's Speakers' Bureau. Elder Bone's special interest is the history of Treaties, as well as Federal and Provincial governments. Elder Bone specializes in the First Nations Government at the Reserve level.

Elder Elmer Courchene is from the Sagkeeng First Nation in Treaty 1 and 3. Elder Courchene is fluent in the Ojibwe and English languages. His first educators were his parents until the age of 5 years old when he was sent to the Fort Alexander Residential School where he received his education until Grade 8. He travelled extensively working in several fields as a Tradesman, Labourer and General Contractor. He is very strong with the Anishinaabe traditional customs and practices and is a pipe carrier, sundancer and continues to help at traditional ceremonies. He was instrumental during the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood (precursor to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs) in the mid 1960’s to the mid 1970’s and was involved in the discussions of the 1969 White Paper, Wahbung: Our Tomorrows including the movement of education in 1972 for Indian Control of Indian Education with his home community being the pioneer to pilot the transfer of administrative control from the federal government to the First Nations government. As well, he became involved as an advisor to his community Chief and Council over the next several years. In 1997, Elder Courchene served as the Elder Advisor and Spiritual Giver to then National Chief Phil Fontaine at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). Elder Courchene currently sits as the Manitoba Elder representative to the AFN Senator Council. Most recently, Elder Courchene has served as the Elder Advisor to the AMC Executive Council of Chiefs and has been appointed to the AMC Council of Elders.

Elder James Cote (Makade Makwa from the Makwa Clan) is from Wewezhigaabawing. He is the son of James and Margaret Cote. Elder Cote attended the Birtle and Brandon Residential Schools from 1947-1957. He had worked as a farm labourer prior to his marriage to Lena McKay in 1967. He was a Band Councillor for 16 years and Ojibwe Language Instructor for two (2) years. Currently, he is enjoying his retirement and sitting on the AMC Council of Elders advising the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba.

Elder William G. Lathlin turned 70 years on January 28, 2011. His first teachers were his parents Liz and George Lathlin and his grandparents Horace Whitehead and Mary Lathlin. In his early years, William was raised along with three sisters and three brothers in the winter camps. Later he was sent to Prince Albert Residential School from 1950-54 where he obtained a Grade 7 education. He later married Myra Personius and raised 5 children. He sponsored his own Diploma in Business Management and from those courses he learned about economy, business and politics. He was a Band Councillor for Opaskwayak for 24 years from 1974 to 1997 and was also Chief of Opaskwayak Cree Nation for one term 1997-1999. William always involved himself throughout his adult life in matters of health, education, economic and social development (Otineka Mall, Joe A. Ross School, Kikiwak Inn) for Opaskwayak. He currently involves himself with youth issues by promoting education and teaches at the school when he is asked. William is currently developing a land based/traditional teachings program for disengaged youth in his community.

Elder D'Arcy Linklater (Wapiskiw-Ma'inkan from the Ma'inkan Clan) is from Nisichawayasihk. He was raised by his grandparents who taught him to live openly like the water and the river to experience life to the fullest. His great grandfather was Pierre Moose the Chief who made the Adhesion to Treaty #5 with the Crown in Nelson House on July 30, 1908. Elder Linklater has worked as a trapper, fisherman, hunter and miner. Elder Linklater has been Executive Director for his Cree Nation and an elected leader for over fifteen years. Elder Linklater has a keen interest in justice and equal rights for his people. He continues to work tirelessly for his people with the aim of combating injustices and poverty. He seeks sustainable ways to use the natural resources in a way that will provide meaningful opportunity for First Nations people while at the same time providing the protection and respect for the land.

Elder Doris Pratt, from Wikoza Wakpa, has dedicated her life to revitalizing and preserving the Dakota Language for the benefit of this vibrant and resurging culture, which she has shared with her three daughters and three sons, encouraging them always to take pride in the gifts of the Dakota language and culture. Elder Pratt has her Masters in Education from Brandon University and holds an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Arizona. Elder Pratt has developed a wide range of Dakota Language related materials for classroom and/or home education, including materials that range from the Primary School Level to Senior Advanced Studies in the Dakota Language.

Photographs Courtesy of Darren H. Courchene