Friendship agreement looks to revive original spirit of Treaty

Oct 3, 2017 | 9:00 AM

Communities between the North and South Saskatchewan rivers entered into a Friendship Agreement over the weekend, in the hopes of restoring the spirit of Treaty 6, and bettering all communities involved.

The Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation, along with the towns of Rosthern, Hague, Hepburn and Duck Lake, the village of Laird and the R.M. of Rosthern No. 403 came together on Sept. 30 to sign the non-binding agreement. According to Chief Roy Petit of the Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation, originally the agreement was intended to aid the communities in creating a shared waste management facility, but it’s evolved into much more.

As per the agreement, signatory communities will meet at least 10 times a year to discuss “issues of common concern and interest.” The document outlines initiatives like solid waste management, recreational opportunities and infrastructure as areas where agreements could be made.

“One-hundred-and-forty years ago we signed an agreement with the Crown and all of the newcomers… that we would share this land and work together,” Petit said. “It’s kind of gotten away from that, so I think by signing this friendship agreement we’re reviving that mentality.”

The agreement also looks to create more information sharing between the signatories. Petit said he hopes sharing information helps tackle any misunderstandings which exist, particularly around how Indigenous communities are funded.

“There’s a certain way that First Nation people are seen, like we receive millions, and millions, and millions of dollars, and we do receive millions of dollars, but it’s all designated to something,” Petit said. “There’s not a lot of opportunity to mismanage; it’s all recorded, and if you misspend it’s clawed back.”

A friendship agreement between the communities in the region between the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers was “a long time coming” according to Petit. Not every community in the region is involved in the friendship agreement, but Petit said plans are in the works to expand to those who have yet to sign.

The non-binding document also seeks to create a renewed working relationship between all of the communities involved. Acting Mayor of Duck Lake Donna Piche said at one time, the relationship was strained, but she sees improvement already.

She said the agreement brings a unified voice for the communities who are represented.

“Communities will still have their personal ideas, but in an overall view, if something comes along that will affect all groups, I think one voice is very strong,” Piche said.

Pat Wagner, the mayor of Hague, said she’s looking forward to working with the parties involved in the friendship agreement. 

“I truly beieve this agreement… will go a long way to be a mutual benefit to all parties involved,” Wagner said. “This was a very good thing that happened on Saturday.”

 

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas