News Releases

A memorandum of understanding to further improve the working relationship between First Nations and the Province of Manitoba was signed today by Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport Minister Eric Robinson, acting Aboriginal and northern affairs minister, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers, and Treaty One chiefs.

 

“We welcome the opportunity to have a more productive working relationship with the Treaty One First Nations and this agreement signifies the movement toward developing a government-to-government relationship,” said Robinson.  “Treaty One has a number of issues to address with the province and this document helps create the forum for discussions.”

 

“This agreement will further improve and strengthen the work done by the First Nations and the provincial government on treaty rights and provides the opportunity for greater clarity and understanding,” said Struthers. “As well, existing levels of treaty knowledge in the provincial government will be enhanced through this initiative.”

 

“The chiefs of Treaty One welcome this memorandum of understanding as a new renovation of the 1871 treaty in a way that does not relieve the federal Crown of its responsibilities.  It is only right that neighbours should work together in this way and we congratulate the provincial government for having accepted our invitation to work together,” said Chief Terrance Nelson of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, one of the Treaty One First Nations.

 

The memorandum creates a collaborative process to co-ordinate discussions on issues of common interest or concern in the Treaty One territory and identifies opportunities for co-operation in addressing priority issues.

 

Treaty One acts as an umbrella organization to the First Nations of Sandy Bay, Brokenhead, Long Plain, Roseau River, Swan Lake, Sagkeeng and Peguis. These First Nations are signatories to Treaty One signed at Lower Fort Garry on Aug. 3, 1871.

 

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The Government of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Province of Manitoba and the Treaty One First Nations.