Friendship agreement looks to revive original spirit of Treaty
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.”