Treaty 1-11 Gathering 2024:
First Nation leadership and dignitaries of Treaties 1-11 came together to find solutions on ways to protect and preserve our treaty rights and speak on topics such as language, inherent rights and the future of what our people will face if action is not taken. This year, the gathering was co-hosted by Cold Lake First Nations and Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Treaty No. 6 at the English Bay Treaty Grounds from August 25th-30th, 2024. Ancestorial knowledge, elder teachings and other various viewpoints were discussed within the 5 day gathering between many leaders, guest speakers, elders and the public in attendance.
“When we have gatherings like this, its so important that we have people come together across Turtle Island to talk about our treaties and to strengthen our treaties. To take in all the knowledge and hear the different languages spoken. Sharing our knowledge with one another will help us connected with one another.” -Chief Gary Lameman Beaver Lake Cree Nation (Treaty No.6)
We as Treaty People are here to protect what our ancestors fought for many years ago. Our treaties recognize the sovereignty of our Nations and our right to self-determination. They affirm Indigenous peoples’ rights to maintain their cultural practices, languages, and traditional ways of life. Upholding treaties is a way of respecting and preserving our unique cultures and identities of who we are as First Nations. Protecting the treaties is not just about honoring legal agreements; it’s about respecting our Natural Laws. By educating our people and continuing the practice of sharing knowledge, we will better prepare ourselves in protecting our sovereignty, strengthening our ceremonial practices, and healing our land the way our ancestors wanted us to. By taking these small steps today, we are planning and solidifying our future for generations to come. To ensure our grandchildren, and our grandchildren’s children’s rights will be protected, we must keep fighting and demonstrate resilience when it comes to protecting our way of life. It requires a commitment from all levels of government, the courts, and society as a whole to uphold these sacred agreements and work towards a future that recognizes and respects the inherent rights of First Nations Peoples. This commitment is imperative for achieving true reconciliation and building a Nation that honors its promises, values and justice for all its people.
A topic heavily discussed within the gathering was our inherent rights and right to self-governance as Nations. The right to self-determination allows us to govern and lead our own people, make decisions about our own affairs, and manage the land and resources according to our own laws, traditions, and customs. This includes providing the necessary resources, authority, and capacity building to enable Nations to manage their affairs effectively.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://ermineskin.ca/neyaskweyahk-acimowin-september-4th-2024/
