By paNOW

Memorandum of Understanding is a step closer to reconciliation

Jul 8, 2012 | 2:19 AM

As pens lifted from paper the relationship between the Government of Canada and the Whitecap Dakota First Nation was a step closer to reconciliation.

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development John Duncan and Chief Darcy Bear signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Saturday afternoon.

“It is the beginning of the process of working out resolutions with our relationship with Canada,” said Bear.

It is a relationship that Bear said has been around a long time. He said it dates back over 250 years with a treaty signed with the British in 1787 and continuing through the War of 1812.

“Through all the research that we have done and looking at why is our First Nation being treated differently in this country,” he said.

Battle ready

Predators set to defend title as new PGLL season approaches

2h ago

Meadow Lake arena and recreation facility

Innovation Federal Credit Union donates up to $1-million in community match

2h ago

Riderville

Riders Have Options Heading into Tuesday CFL Draft

7h ago

“We have always been viewed as American Indians but if you look at all the history we have always been British Indians, you can’t get anymore British than Whitecap.”

The MOU stated that “Canada recognizes Whitecap as a respected and distinctive member of Canada’s First Nations community” and “Canada further recognizes Whitecap as a valued part of the fabric of Canadian society.”

It also recognized that the Government of Canada and Whitecap will begin discussions leading to reconciliation.

“This agreement today will give us a larger sense of urgency so we can move forward… I can’t preempt where the process is going to take it,” said Duncan.

“This is going to be an independent First Nation in most senses of the word fairly quickly I assume.”

Duncan said that the process could take some time because there are many aspects to work through but the signatures today show that it is high priority.

The MOU is not a treaty and is not legally binding. It stated that it is intended “only as an expression of good will and political commitment”.

“The Dakota First Nations were not treaty signatories and still are not today,” said Duncan.

They signed the MOU in front of the Founders Statue as Duncan said in the spirit of cooperation between John Lake and Chief Whitecap in establishing Saskatoon.

Click here to see a copy of the MOU.

news@panow.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow