A Message from the Treaty Commissioner

When the Treaties were made in Manitoba the discussions were about building relationships, settlement and opportunities for all people to succeed in this land. Treaties define the relationship between people; the Crown and First Nations. Like any relationship it takes a continual commitment to make things work and evolve. Treaty relationships are no different; they entail reciprocity, respect and a commitment to work together to build a stronger and healthier nation.

The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba (TRCM) is mandated with three (3) key pillars; education, research and facilitation. A component of its first five (5) year mandate is to strengthen, rebuild and enhance the Treaty relationship as envisaged by the Treaty parties. The TRCM is working very hard to fulfill its mandate and as the newly appointed Treaty Commissioner my primary goal is to have Treaty education included in the curriculum throughout Manitoba from Kindergarten to grade 12. All students in this province should be familiar with the history of the Treaties and understand that the ongoing relationship between First Nations and the Crown is a work in progress and needs our continued understanding and utmost attention as we build our future.

To ensure that our future educators have a greater understanding of the Treaties and the Treaty relationship, it is also my vision to explore the creation of mandatory learning objectives for, and in partnership with Manitoba's Post-Secondary institutions. This will provide a greater opportunity to pass on the history of Treaty making with a respect to the true Spirit and Intent in which they were made.

Treaties were made to create opportunities for all people in Manitoba. At the TRCM we encourage understanding; understanding of the role that the Treaties played in Manitoba's history and by extension Canada. We encourage our neighbors to look at each other as partners in the future of this country and to live in harmony based on a knowledge and understanding of cultural traditions, customs and history particularly as they relate to Treaty.

The TRCM mandate also requires that we facilitate an open discussion in respect to the Treaty relationship, Treaty rights and the differing views of the Treaties. The TRCM does not advocate for the First Nations or Crown perspective of the Treaties but works to create dialogue and understanding of those perspectives while maintaining principles of honour and respect in our coexistence. Working together to increase the knowledge of the Treaties will lead our future generations in the spirit of fostering understanding of cultural diversity and its importance to our unique society.

Working with the communities to build relationships and mutual respect as we continue to bring the Treaties to the forefront of the minds of all Manitobans will be significant and rewarding. I look forward to the tasks accompanying the role of Treaty Commissioner for Manitoba.

WE ARE ALL TREATY PEOPLE